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Minot Public Schools launches online education

Online education is in progress at Minot Public Schools after Gov. Doug Burgum approved the district’s distance learning plan Friday, Supt. Mark Vollmer said at a news briefing Tuesday.

“We are up and running with our activities,” he said. “There’s an old adage that sometimes when we try something new, it’s like building a plane and flying it at the same time, and this is a great example of that. We have dug in quickly. We’ve got everybody working together and we’re going to do the best we can to meet the needs of everyone involved in this.”

The school has been working with internet providers to ensure all students have adequate online access, and students have been able to borrow the necessary technology from the school.

Vollmer said the emphasis for elementary students will be math and language arts, with supplemental instruction in other curriculum areas and a focus on social/emotional learning.

Secondary schools are using the Google Hangout platform. Last Friday, students were able to log in to a group learning experience and they are now moving forward with lessons.

Counselors are in school buildings three half days per week, available to meet the needs of parents and students, Vollmer said.

“Our counselor team has developed a lot of exciting activities, and we continue to offer that on a weekly basis with new activities,” he said. “Teachers continue to work with our special needs population and we continue to explore new and innovative ways to meet the needs of all of our learners.”

Lunch is provided via curbside pickup service at six locations. Delivery is conducted in specific areas of town and at Minot Air Force Base. More than 3,000 meals a day have been served, but Vollmer said the number has been settling in at about 2,500 meals a day.

Lewis and Clark and Edison elementary schools are hosting childcare services for emergency and healthcare workers.

“I just want to remind everybody that this distance learning thing is new for all of us, and we ask that everybody be patient with us and then we vow to do the same. We remind parents and students if they are feeling overwhelmed or confused about the online learning platforms we’re using, we need them to call the school office. We’re here to help,” Vollmer said. “Parents, we encourage you to not let this new delivery system be the cause of frustration and angst with your kids. We’re here to support you. We’re going to do whatever we can to support that learning.

“Skills can be re-addressed and re-taught, but relationships are oftentimes very difficult to repair, so if you feel frustrated, reach out to your child’s principal or counselor. We’re available. We’re ready, and we’re here to help,” he said.

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