Call it a blast from the homeschooled past before free state provided education in the late 19th century if it pleases you, or else just a temporary stopgap measure. Either way, the present circumstances under which students living within the Stanley-Boyd School District and elsewhere are now being asked to learn are historic. Stanley-Boyd Superintendent Jeff Koenig had the finer details when we reached him via email.

“We began online instruction on Monday, March 30,” he said. “Teachers are sharing information online or we are creating packets of information for students who have limited internet access.” Koenig further went on the say that each grade was different along with many middle and high school classes, and that the district had increased the internet availability in its parking lot so that students could upload or download information from their cars “if necessary.” Koenig also went on to praise the school district staff, who he said had shown “exceptional resilience” in the present difficult time.

“Our staff has shown exceptional resilience in this difficult time,” he said, adding that teachers miss their students and look forward to seeing them face-to-face. “Most have been trying to connect electronically with their students whether it be by phone, text, or video conference,” he said. “They are also learning it is much harder to teach through these (electronic) means than normal instruction.” He then went on to give a reminder about efforts to make sure families that need lunch provided, can access it.

“Our food service staff and transportation staff have been working very hard to provide lunch to families who request it,” Koenig said, before going on. “Renee Mahal has been managing who has signed up or requested a change. There is a link on our website for families to sign up,” he said. In addition to this, the district planned to add a breakfast option from Monday April 6 onward. There was also the school board to consider, given that current measures are slated to last until near the end of the month, and the school board traditionally meets the fourth Monday, just prior to this.

“We have limited the number of people in the room as well as provided access in additional rooms for people who wish to observe the meetings,” Koenig said of the past month’s school board meeting. “Our board also is allowed to participate in open sessions by phone if necessary.” While technically exempt from the state rule limiting gathering size according to the S-B Superintendent, proactive measures are nonetheless being taken to social distance in these times—and that leads to a question, namely, What about Graduation?

“It is too early to decide,” Koenig said of the yearly May event. “We are hopeful graduation can take place as scheduled but know the situation continues to change. Regardless of what happens, we will try to recognize our seniors in some way.”