This is the third installment in a series looking back at El Reno Public Schools efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his classroom at Etta Dale Junior High for just the second time since leaving for spring break back in March, Tyler Hill could tell there was a different vibe in the building.

“I guess it feels like the end of school since we have been gone for so long. But backing up all my stuff and seeing the room empty, it sort of brings it all together,” said Hill.

Hill is one of four teachers at Etta Dale instructing seventh- and eighth-grade students in American History and Eastern Geography. The team used both online coursework as well as paper packets during the distance learning session.

“I did like the blending method but I really preferred the online, but I understand not everyone has the accessibility so the packets were a good alternative.

“However, nothing replaces being in the classroom and the ability to see what the kids are learning and what they were struggling with. When they are at home, it’s hard to figure that out,” said Hill.

Hill said he could see the online participation slipping among his students over the course of the distance learning plan for El Reno Public Schools, which ran from April 6 to May 8.

“It was a different way to end the school year. The first week the parents and the kids were all gung-ho about distance learning, but as that progressed, it dropped off,” said Hill.

Hill said he did have a few students who worked to bring grades up during the online period. He gives a solid grade not only for Etta Dale but the entire district.

“I think for as quickly as it all came upon us, I think we all did a pretty good job. I would give it a B-plus.”

El Reno Superintendent Craig McVay’s report card for the district was slightly lower but took into account several more factors than just the interaction between educators and students.

“I would give us a B-minus or a C overall,” said McVay.

McVay's area breakdowns were:

▶ Teachers - A+

“Within 48 hours of them finding out they had to shutter classrooms being locked out, with very minimal concerns, they put together a distance learning plan for pre-kindergarten three through grade 12.

“I put principals, assistant principals in that group as well. This is not something that was put in place by the superintendent’s office, this was a group effort from the educator across the board."

▶ Delivery, Review, Enrichment - C

“We put it out there in different methods and we had pockets of brilliance with some teachers that were amazing on the digital learning side. Where we get the C was in the area of pen and paper packets. We did as good as we could do but it was just worksheets. The connectivity barriers made us average in this regard.”

▶ Food delivery - A+

“We are setting the standard for the nation. We are getting calls from Texas, North Carolina and Los Angeles on how we are doing it. That is a testimony to our team of child nutritionists.”

▶ Communication district wide - B-

“Good as it could be remotely but it’s not the same as in person."

▶ Student participation - A

“Our students have done everything we have asked them to do. They have performed at a very top level. The grade would be lower if you were looking at a college-bound senior versus a ninth-grader because of the disappointment factor. There was no spring sports, prom, stock show seasons, there is a lot of disappointment among the older kids.”

Planning for the fall

El Reno’s 2020-21 calendar shows the first day of classes as Aug. 13 and McVay believes it will be a normal start to the new school year.

“I put my faith in the great spirit and that it will be normal when school starts Aug. 13. I want it to be that way and my gut feeling is the virus will wane with sunshine and some good old-fashioned Oklahoma rebounding. We are in El Reno and when we get knocked down, we get back up,” said McVay.

Even so, McVay and staff are planning for several scenarios in dealing with COVID-19.

“What we are looking at is a wide range of scenarios. We will begin a serious push from our site management and leadership team on what happens next. Right now we have 50 different considerations from operations, cleaning, environmental planning (spacing of kids), medical (taking temperatures), transportation (blending) and distance learning plan or a blending of several plans,” said McVay.

McVay said his best and worse case scenarios for the fall include:

▶ Best: “The virus goes away and done by July 4 and we start school the middle of August and we will be 100 percent sanitized by then.”

▶ Worst: “We start school in August and virus returns and we have to shut down in October."

McVay is concerned about a repeat of this year and a loss of the entire second semester or even having to start school after Labor Day, which is Sept. 7.

“We are considering some options of split schedules, block schedules and even part of the kids come half a day here and half a day there. We will be prepared for whatever scenario does occur.”