Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By TOM LAVENTURE
Hurley — The well-being of students is the most important thing as Hurley School District returns to a “new normal.”
Students remember how they felt and how they were treated more than what they learned, said a message posted by School District Administrator Kevin Genisot. The ongoing monitoring of each student’s mental health status as well as ensuring the basic needs will help maintain a high level of confidence going forward.
“Our students will be healthier and more resilient for the rest of their lives because of the experiences and support they had during these trying times,” Genisot said.
This requires a network of support to include the school, the parents, and the community, he said. During this time the focus is on wellbeing as the level of academic learning is lower on the continuity line of importance.
“Accomplishing this mindset of support needs a community approach,” Genisot said.
The Hurley School District is partnering with local supporting agencies, such as the Iron County Health Department, Iron County Human Services Department, Hurley Police Department, Iron County Sheriff Department, Hurley Chamber of Commerce and parents, he said. When everyone is working together and staying well informed the goals related to the students will be accomplished.
“Our children are our most important priority and that will remain our focus,” Genisot said.
In the previous week Genisot issued a bulletin noting that it was not likely that classes would return to school building before June 5. On Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers canceled school statewide for the remainder of the school year.
Genisot said it is likely that classes will start again next year in the building, but with new procedures that will be adopted from the experience of the past few months.
The information said that while the current distance learning isn’t ideal the assignments and projects are authentic and outcomes are greater than anyone expected. There are six more instructional weeks left in the school year and school officials are confident that students will learn the content needed to move forward to the next grade level while meeting the needed objectives to earn credits for all classes, he said.
“The teachers are dedicated to doing what it takes for each student to succeed and parents are doing an amazing job as supportive educators,” Genisot said.
Elementary students are receiving a pass or fail grade for the fourth quarter. This will alleviate the stresses for students, parents and teachers, he said.
Middle and high school principal Melissa Oja is currently working with teaching staff on a grading plan for grades 6-12. Each student will have options going forward, he said.
It is not likely that spring sports will be taking place unless for some reason the school is opened soon but that is not probable, Genisot said. Events like prom will be scheduled once it’s known when the school will open even if events are held as late as October, he said.
“The staff are committed to doing whatever they can to provide opportunities for all students to enjoy the special events while traveling through the different grades,” Genisot said.
Kindergarten and high school graduation will be taking place as scheduled and details will come in early May. he said. The planning must abide by social distancing recommendations.
The 2020-21 class registration process is being prepared to work remotely and will be announced soon.
A schedule is being prepared for early May that will allow students to retrieve items from the school.
The free breakfast and lunch will continue until students return to the school or when state guidelines prevent lunch distribution, he said. The routes established allow for students to take advantage of the meal offerings.
