E.P. Clarke Takes On Covid-19
Photo by Kiersten Olson
Desks are spread apart and our classes are split by the last name—but what about the elementary schools? The state has sent elementary schools into unknown territory as high schools and middle schools across the state are getting all the attention. It’s time to take a visit into this world and see how everyone is coping.
As a new principal being thrown into a pandemic setting, Mrs. Jessica Lafayette, E.P. Clarke’s newest principal, is persevering in this new environment.
“I’m staying positive and reminding myself that the pandemic won’t last forever, and it can only get easier when we’re through it,” said Mrs. Lafayette.
Teachers are now having to adapt to this new environment just the same, but it seems they are holding up well.
“They are handling this crazy time with such grace and love. Everyone is committed to being here for the kids and doing whatever it takes. We are also aware of the additional stress we are carrying with us during this unpredictable time and are also committed to taking care of ourselves and our teammates so that we can pour into our students.”
Mrs. Lisa Knuth, a third-grade teacher at Clarke, says working through COVID has been mostly a positive experience.
“The fact that we have been able to return to school for families that needed this option definitely has a positive effect on student socialization,” said Mrs. Knuth, “however, it’s disappointing to not be able to participate in our many usual activities such as the 3rd Grade Nutcracker Performance, having kindergarten buddies, and field trips. We also miss our family helpers that come in to run math center, read with students, and help with parties.”
Unlike Upton Middle School and Saint Joseph High School, the three SJ elementary schools have not gone virtual or hybrid—they have remained in person the whole year. Though they have not gone virtual, Brown Elementary School shut down.
“There were many procedures that have been implemented this year. All students wear masks, desks are spaced apart as much as possible, classrooms are fogged mid-day, desks are individually cleaned, and students limit sharing materials,” said Mrs. Knuth, “the shutdown at Brown is not a worry but rather a necessary safety consideration.”
Now thanks to the Berrien County Health Department and Saint Joseph Public Schools, Brown is open and fully functioning. Even though they’ve stayed face-to-face, the kids and staff are adapting to this new COVID-19 life.
“We wear masks, grade levels are considered cohorts, and we have changed procedures like arrival, dismissal, and recesses so that we stay with our cohorts and limit student traffic,” said Mrs. Lafayette.
But as for the kids, it’s just not the same.
“They eat lunch in classrooms with their classmates and then teachers lead their enrichment lesson. This is probably the biggest change of all, students don’t leave the classroom for specials, specials are virtual learning opportunities done in their room.”
And even through these tough challenges, everyone is handling them well.
“By being in school, we are able to have our class meetings, SEL support for students, and enrichment with art, music, gym, and media,” said Mrs. Knuth.
Regardless of their age, the kids of E.P. Clarke seem to be adapting well, and the teachers as well as Mrs. Lafayette are having a massive impact on that. From all of us here at Wind-Up, we thank you for being here.