Every day COVID-19 causes shifts in schedules as officials make decisions about the well-being of the community. Many schools now face decisions about opening their doors for summer learning. Documents released Thursday, May 28th, 2020 by the Department of Education stated that schools could return to in-person learning as early as June 8th, 2020. These documents included Launch Nebraska-a resource for schools to use as they plan re-entry.
As a year-round school, Mandela always planned to continue summer learning, but this summer is not the same as a typical 5th term. First grade teacher, Miranda Kreulen, explains what she will be doing this summer: "We strive to keep our scholars engaged over the summer, to not lose valuable skills and have to reteach each fall. This summer is unique as we are still learning remotely. One of our big goals was to allow our kids to be creative and learn in a variety of ways, even from home. Therefore, we are providing them with academic learning through daily Zoom meetings, combined with a summer fun bag filled with kites, frisbees, beach balls, jump ropes, binoculars, and a variety of other traditional summer activities - it's the best of both worlds."
Research shows that the summer is vital to a child’s growth in education. Year-round education is part of Mandela’s many efforts to reduce achievement gaps. Recent events regarding the death of George Floyd shed light on how important it is to work against those structural inequalities.
Dr. Susan Toohey, Head of School, and Principal, Genevive Core, will continue to comply with all recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, the Department of Education, and the Douglas County Health Department. Currently, scholars will begin their summer learning virtually while the Mandela Campus prepares for the scholars’ physical return, hopefully in July.