A row of buses sit idle in the parking lot on what would have been a busy Monday back from Spring Break. Photo by Noel Nash/The Chronicle
With the South Lane School District closed until April 28, teacher Aura Jocis, English and social studies teacher at Lincoln Middle School, said the big hearts of her fellow educators have become especially evident through the Coronavirus pandemic.
She and 70 South Lane teachers met virtually for three full days last week, Jocis said. Every grade level and school in the district was represented and teachers collectively shared their concerns.
“What really got to me was how much interaction the teachers shared with their students,” Jocis said. “The students are scared and worried and are reaching out to their teachers.”
One of the biggest concerns is keeping students fed and kids being detrimentally affected by the lack of formal instruction. Next week will be spent calling and consulting with parents.
“What impressed me first and foremost was the amount of care these educators had for their students,” Jocis said. “In my 15 years in public education, I was never more proud of my colleagues.”