The academic year started on Monday in Lee and Collier Counties. WGCU’s Andrea Perdomo spoke with Susanna Tocco, the mother of a Naples High School sophomore, about the family’s preparations for the school year and how the first day of classes went.
Here is a transcript of their conversation:
Perdomo:
Collier County public school families were asked to select an instructional model for students going into the fall semester. Right? Those options were in person learning, CCPS classroom connect, which is a full time structured, virtual learning; a flexible virtual learning model called e-Collier Academy, and homeschooling. So, Susanna, which did you choose for your daughter this semester?
Tocco:
We chose the virtual flexible learning.
Perdomo:
Why did you choose that model?
Tocco:
Our daughter is in high school band at Naples High and for the virtual learning, that was the only option that would fit their curriculum.
Perdomo:
Classes started today, August 31st. What did you guys do to prepare for the start of the school year that was different compared to other years?
Tocco:
We didn't have to do a lot. We basically just kept up with the different emails that the county was sending out. And her high school principal was also sending out emails to the parents, helping us understand the changes that were coming up and everything. Really, it was just a matter of making sure that we open an email every day.
Perdomo:
Your daughter is a sophomore, correct?
Tocco:
Correct.
Perdomo:
Was she excited for the school year to start?
Tocco:
She was, but she was also slightly apprehensive, just because of the changes and not knowing fully what to expect, but she's definitely excited to get back, to see some of her friends. With being in band, so the virtual option, she does have the opportunity to go on campus for band class. They're also doing it virtual, as well, but because of the type of instrument she plays, she felt like going into the classroom would be best.
Perdomo:
Did you get the sense that the Collier School District had a good handle on the start of the academic year amid the pandemic?
Tocco:
I did, just based on how they were trying to communicate in multiple ways with parents, whether it is through Facebook or emails. Even the times when I called the county direct, there was always somebody able to answer the phone right away. They knew exactly who to direct my question to, so it seems like they were on top of it throughout the entire summer.
Perdomo:
How was your daughter's first day of school?
Tocco:
It was good. Unfortunately, the software program that the school had intended to use for the virtual learning was experiencing some glitches this morning. Her high school sent out an email immediately. The county sent out a reason call letting everyone know what was going on. She had a pretty light day. Not a lot of work was assigned because of the glitch.
Perdomo:
Was the issue resolved toward the end of the day? Are they hoping that tomorrow it should be resolved?
Tocco:
It hasn't fully been resolved, in my understanding. We still did have some issues trying to log in. On one computer, the app would work, but then on the school-issued computer it's not working. So its kind of, you have to find the right way to get in.
Perdomo:
Right. Your daughter is doing virtual learning, but will be attending band class on campus. Will she have to go to campus every day?
Tocco:
Correct. Yes.
Perdomo:
What safety measures are in place to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at your daughter's school?
Tocco:
So today, when my husband dropped her off, they were required to do it specifically through the front office only. She had to obviously, wear her mask. When she got into the band room, the kids had to stay separated. The teacher was really good about not allowing them to get up close and personal or give welcome back hugs or anything like that. Then she had to leave campus immediately after her band class was done. So there was very little interaction while she was on campus, other than inside the band room, and then everything was very spread out, she said.
Perdomo:
Okay. Are you nervous about her having to go on campus this semester?
Tocco:
Not necessarily. Again, like I said, I have faith in how they're going to help out the kids, especially Mr. Burkett there at Naples High. He's a great principal and I know that he's been having meetings with his teachers and with the staff. I feel like they're trying to stay ahead of any little problems that might arise.
Perdomo:
What are you hoping your daughter will get out of school this year?
Tocco:
It's a weird situation to be in, in the first place for anybody, adults and kids alike. I think in a weird way, this is helping kids learn that things don't always go smooth. Things don't always go the way we plan them to go. I just think it might help build a little extra character for our kiddos. It might not be the most fun way to do it, but I'm hoping that she learns how important her social connections are. I think she already knew that, but I feel like it gives you an extra chance to pause and learn how to not take things for granted.
Perdomo:
What would it take for you and your daughter to feel comfortable going back to traditional in person learning?
Tocco:
Having the numbers go down here. It's really about the numbers. I do wish there was a bit more transparency with our state and I don't necessarily feel 100% comfortable with how they're handling things and what they're telling us, but I would definitely like to see those numbers go down before I'd feel more comfortable about a full day of classes for her.
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