PEKIN, Ill. — We closing in on the end of the school year and students are missing out on all the annual events.
Shayla Ewing, an English teacher at Pekin Community High School, said transitioning to online learning was new to everyone and brought on its own challenges.
“Specifically in keeping the community and relationships that we have face to face in the classroom,” Ewing said. “So much of learning and being an effective learner and effective teacher is having classroom connections.”
Even with its challenges, Ewing said it is still important to keep communicating with students.
“I would say that feeling disconnected from your school community, that could be your peers and your instructors, makes it really hard to be an effective learner,” Ewing.
Ewing said it is also important for your own personal social and emotional health.
Colleen Kahl, PCHS social studies teacher and student council and national honor society adviser, agrees it is important to keep up communication with the students.
Kahl said she has sent out video messages to her students, and she even read a children’s book to her seniors for them to engage with.
“But, also sometimes my daily announcement might be just like, how are we doing,” Kahl said. “It might just be an emotional and check in with me.”
Kahl said some of her students have also checked in with her to see how she is doing.
“Hearing from the kids back I realize that I am not just the giver, that I truly do receive that everyday with them, and I still need that as well,” Kahl said.
Both teachers agree that this is a devastating time, especially for seniors missing out.
“It’s been difficult for students,” Ewing said. “But, it’s still an opportunity to make new traditions.”
Ewing said a group of students created an Instagram account to honor the class of 2020 with their pictures and aspirations for after high school.
Ewing plans to hold a Zoom party for her students to celebrate the end of class.
Kahl said she has been trying to encourage her students on resiliency.
“This has never happened to any of us before. It’s not fair, it’s not fun and it’s happening to the class of 2020. But, I always try to turn it positive.”
Kahl said as a gift to some first responders, students made mask holders and provided gift cards.
“Just something to keep them involved, and keep them knowing that they are helping other people,” Kahl said.
Ewing said her students have shown great strength during this time.
“I admire each and every one of them in the work they’ve put forward. And, I can’t wait to see how that translates to them making their mark on the world,” Ewing said.
Kahl wants to encourage her students to follow their dreams.
“To realize the best in themselves. And, to follow their heart and do what they love to do,” Kahl said. “I always end with telling them I can’t wait to see what your adventures hold.”
