When the coronavirus pandemic hit, children and educators across the country were forced to find ways to adapt. New models – like distance learning, hybrid learning, and virtual learning – were adopted. Locally, many school districts have been able to reopen, although many students are still taking classes virtually.
COVID Questions: K-12 Education will convene a diverse panel to discuss the challenges of the past year, what we’ve learned, and what challenges remain as we begin to come out of the pandemic. The virtual event will be held Tues., Apr. 6 at 7:00 pm over Zoom. Participants can take part at https://pitt.zoom.us/j/96156145654 . The presentation will also be livestreamed over In This Together Cambria’s Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/inthistogethercambria.
Panelists for the event represent a range of school districts. They are:
- Tom Mitchell, superintendent of the Westmont Hilltop School District
- Dr. Rebecca Castiglione, principal of Conemaugh Valley Elementary School
- Michael Dadey, principal of Greater Johnstown High School
- Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC, NCC, school-based outpatient therapist for the Alternative Community Resource Program (ACRP).
Chip Minemyer, editor of The Tribune-Democrat, will serve as moderator. Topics that will be discussed include not only how school districts have coped with the challenges of the pandemic, but also what happens next – including how learning deficiencies caused by intermittent closings will be addressed.
COVID Questions forums have been scheduled as follows:
- April 13: Vaccine Update
- May 4: Higher Education
In addition, an event discussing the 1918 flu pandemic and its parallels with the current pandemic is set for Apr. 30.