In late July, it was announced that Nashoba Regional High School would continue remote learning throughout the first semester. The at-home teaching style from last spring had its flaws, but Kim Rocha, an English teacher at Nashoba Regional, promised a reinvention of the idea of remote teaching. “Forget what you think remote learning is based on last spring,” she insisted. “The district’s Department of Teaching and Learning worked hard to put together our professional development days that started the year.” 

Teachers like Ms. Rocha are facilitating professional development workshops to focus on the best practices for synchronous and asynchronous learning. According to Ms. Rocha, the district, especially Superintendent Clenchy, has been very supportive of teachers, giving them new equipment along with even one-on-one training. Ms. Rocha says the biggest piece of advice for students is to communicate: “If we plan a lesson that you really love, tell us so we know it went well and can steer in that direction.” She also states that if there is a lesson that didn’t work for your remote style, communicate that as well. 

Lauren Bullard, a science teacher at Nashoba, spent her summer focusing on how to reform her teaching practice, rather than how to specifically teach a subject. She has been doing professional development on inclusive practices, social-emotional learning, and technology. “I’ve also been reading a lot of books on my subjects or ones that help me be a better teacher in general,” she explained. Ms. Bullard sees the new teaching style as more of an advantage for students’ learning. It allows students to move more easily at their own pace, with access to recorded lessons, mini-quizzes, Quizlet accounts, and more at home personalized resources. Ms. Bullard appreciates being online because she feels like she can focus more on her students’ emotional and academic needs. If they were in person, she would be constantly worried about making sure everyone was safe and social distancing. 

Josh Digeronimo, a senior at Nashoba Regional High School, is the varsity quarterback for the 2020 season. Not only has COVID-19 and remote learning affected his academics, but it has also impacted his football season as well. Late in the summer, the school decided to host the football season in February and March,  instead of the fall. “It is understandable,” Josh said, “but we won’t have the beginning of the year hype the football season usually brings.” He mentioned that the restrictions on fans will cause a drastic change in the atmosphere of the stadium. Josh and his team are still waiting for the new rules and guidelines to come out that allows them to play. “The game will be a lot different compared to previous years,” he said. 

When Josh first found out school would be going remote, he was very surprised and a little nervous. “Personally,” he said, “I would say I learn a lot better being face to face with a teacher and in class.” Vivien Stringfellow, also a senior at Nashoba, agreed: “Remote learning can be tough for me sometimes, especially as someone with ADD.” She brings light to the idea that kids with learning disabilities or who struggle with focused attention will need additional support with their at-home learning. Unlike Josh and his sport, Vivien has heard no news about if her school’s theater program will be continued this upcoming year. She has been the lead role in the musical for the past two years at Nashoba and is hoping to have a chance to get back on stage before she graduates. 

Even if it is remote learning, students can still have fun participating. Teachers recommend creating a fun study space in your house and picking up some of your favorite snacks. Students suggest that with all the time at home, you could take this opportunity to focus on yourself and start a new hobby. Teacher or student, we are all in this together. Whatever this semester throws at you, it is important to find those silver linings.