BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — With each passing day, local districts say they become more prepared to handle the possibility of Coronavirus in the classroom.
“The first part of preparations require putting a COVID-19 team together,” said Niagara Falls School Superintendent Mark Laurie. “We meet every morning at 9:00 a.m.”
Laurie says Niagara Falls has purchased all of the COVID-19 sanitizing products.
“This is a time for strong, comfortable leadership,” said Laurie.
Laurie says he doesn’t want to incite panic in the district, but rather wants to be prepared. He says the district is considering canceling its senior trip to Ghana.
School districts like Niagara Falls are thinking of the next steps for learning. Some appear to be considering an online model.
A letter sent to parents in the East Aurora School District surveys households who would have access to the internet or access to a device in the event of an outbreak. The letter suggests East Aurora would move to a distance-learning model, similar to what many colleges are doing.
Laurie says an online distance-learning model in public schools would be challenging.
“Massive online learning for 50 or more people is extremely difficult,” he said.
