Even though the school year has looked a little different this year, the teachers at Beaver Area School District are persevering and thriving. A few have shared their experiences about what teaching virtually looks like.
Granny D dancing and drumming for Mrs. Dehup’s PE class
“PE class looks a bit different online, but the kids still say that they are getting sweaty, out of breath and even tell me that they are sore the next day – so I know that we are getting some good movement in! On Wednesdays, since we do not have a time to meet as a class, Granny D (Mrs. Denhup’s alter ego) posts recorded videos of her dancing along with step-by-step tutorials to show the students how to do different dances. Granny D has become a mini legend among the students. Granny D also likes to “substitute teach” for Mrs. Denhup from time to time just to keep it interesting for the kiddos.”
— Mrs. Ashley Denhup, Elementary Physical Education Teacher
“Our elementary band, orchestra, and chorus students continue to meet for virtual instruction on a weekly basis. Some students are learning to play an instrument for the first time and are using teacher-prepared resources and videos to support their efforts.”
Dutch Ridge Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher Monica Naugler’s Virtual Teaching Setup
— Mr. James Scanga, Music & Band Teacher
“Our elementary chorus class worked to compile a holiday recording using GarageBand.”
— Mrs. Beth Damesimo, Elementary Music Teacher
To the right is Mrs. Naugler’s online teaching set up from when she was teaching about forces. She also… “Demonstrated snow volcanoes when there was snow outside and because it’s fun – sometimes you need a 5-minute fun of science explosion. The question I get asked every year is always, “Will we blow anything up this year in science?”’
— Mrs. Monica Naugler, Fourth Grade Science Teacher
Next, submissions from the 6th Grade Social Studies Club at Dutch Ridge Elementary School:
“In our town there are many ways we have stayed positive throughout these tough times. Due to these tough times, we have had to change to virtual schooling. Mrs. Jessica Hill from Beaver Area Middle School shared some thoughts with me about this virtual schooling situation. One thing she liked most about online school is that it pushed her out of her comfort zone. She also viewed it as a way for students to become better communicators and trouble shooters. The thing she missed the most was not seeing her students faces and hearing their laughter daily. She also said that “It was hard with the digital delay.” Her favorite memory from this year was their online Holiday Party: Middle School Merry Madness. They did a talent show, trivia games, and much more. These are just a few of the ways teachers are doing online school.”
— Logan Weiland, Grade 6
“Throughout our town, many have shown great compassion and positivity in their community even in these difficult times. Little differs in our grades 3-6 school Dutch Ridge Elementary. As put by fourth grade teacher Monica Naugler, “I am so glad I still get to see them (her students) every day!” Some teachers have even been able to make self-growth during their online teaching. “I am increasing my technology/virtual instruction knowledge and skills,” says sixth grade teacher Linda Lang. When asked about her favorite part about online teaching, third grade teacher Francine Hogan responded, “My favorite part of virtual teaching is getting to know the kids a little better. The students share their pets in virtual class. They want to show me what they got for Christmas and different things around their homes. I am able to get more of a personal snapshot into their real life and not just their school life.” Teachers have even gone as far as helping their students in not just school life, but in their at-home life. For example, fifth grade teacher Jeremy Selepec stated, “I have set up more private times to meet with students that enable me to check on their social and emotional health. This has enabled me to provide some counseling during these trying and difficult times.” Small things like these truly help to make the great community we have.”
— Tyler Shuleski, Grade 6
“Here at the 6th Grade Social Studies Club, we not only enrich ourselves in the astounding history of our town, but we also enrich ourselves in the present. One thing we have taken note of is how many of our Beaver Area teachers have adapted to online teaching. We have interviewed teachers from every level of our amazing school district. On behalf of the 6th Grade Social Studies Club, enjoy.
Beaver Area School District is made up of great people, from the town residents to its teachers. The teachers of BASD have led us down the right path during these recent difficult times. Many teachers have had to go outside the box to find new ways to instruct their students virtually. My Social Studies teacher, Ms. Pam Learn, gave us the opportunity to interview teachers as part of our Social Studies Club. I was assigned to interview teachers from College Square, our K-2 school. I was very lucky to interview a teacher named Ms. Katie Knisley who teaches Kindergarten. She said that she enjoyed virtual learning because it gave her the opportunity to learn new technology and virtual teaching strategies. Another teacher that I was super delighted to interview was Ms. Katie Saylor who teaches first grade. Ms. Saylor shared that she liked virtual learning very much because she was given the opportunity to stay healthy and still give instruction to her students. My last interview was a very cordial second grade teacher named Ms. Sarah Frye. Ms. Frye said she and her students have been enjoying virtual classes because they get to share photos with the class about what they’ve been doing at home since not being in school. As you can see, our teachers are a big part of what makes up our great community especially during these times.”
— Cade Askar, Grade 6
