Nothing will stop us: Educators pressing on

Macee Hoskins was supposed to have more time as a high school senior.

The Cape Girardeau Central High School student was looking forward to a final season of track and field, senior prom, graduation and the chance to say her "final goodbyes" to friends.

These rites of passage have been denied to 17-year-old Hoskins and her peers, as well as students across the state.

Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday all Missouri public and charter schools will be suspended for the rest of the academic year in efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"I know that there [are] good reasonings behind the school closings, but all of us seniors have dreamed of these last moments since we were little," Hoskins said last week. "We recently received word that prom is currently postponed and that we should not buy dresses yet. There are [no] other words to describe it but 'heartbreaking.'"

Cape Girardeau Central High School senior Macee Hoskins (middle) poses with cross country teammates in this undated photo. Hoskins is one of many seniors across the country whose senior year and sports program have been interrupted by COVID-19-related school closures.Photo submitted by Macee Hoskins

It's been heartbreaking for educators, too.

CHS principal Nancy Scheller explained many educators feel a sense of loss right now because they are forced to be apart from students with whom they have formed significant bonds.

"Our teachers know a lot about a lot of kids," Scheller said, noting those connections are intentional at CHS. There is an uncertainty of not knowing how a student is coping with this transition, she said, that can bring educators anxiety and stress.

Taylor Bryant teaches English at CHS and said she misses time spent with her students.

"I'm an extrovert, and my daily interaction with teenagers keeps me energized," she said. "I'd be lying if I said I haven't felt some depression sinking in."

Nell Holcomb teacher's aide Baylee Rowland (left) and Nell Holcomb fourth-grade teacher Laura Seyer, both of Jackson, handle meals for students Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Nell Holcomb R-IV School District in Cape Girardeau. District superintendent Bleau Deckerd said meals, consisting of lunch for that day and breakfast for the following day, are being delivered Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He said all of the students are eligible to receive the meals.Jacob Wiegand ~ jwiegand@semissourian.com

For Layne Burner, who teaches 3rd grade at St. Mary Cathedral School in Cape Girardeau, it's the handing-off of a child's education to their parents which has made the transition to remote teaching so difficult.

"My students have amazing parents. They have been unbelievably supportive during this time, but I feel so guilty that I feel like I have handed the learning back to them," Burner wrote in a Facebook message to the Southeast Missourian. "You aren't allowed to be there. You can watch, you can help, you can give advice, but you can't be there. That's the hardest part ... letting go of our kids and hoping that they know how much we love them and want to be with them."

Ann Marie Aufdenberg is a science teacher at Saxony Lutheran High School who said the most challenging part about distance learning has been not having face-to-face interaction with students.

"As a teacher, you depend so much on facial cues [to determine] whether students are understanding a concept," she explained. "Answering questions whether through virtual meetings or emails is difficult, again missing those facial cues."

But there is an upside, Aufdenberg said.

"I have to say the most rewarding part of this is to see our kids adapt and put in the effort to try to make this work," she said, noting students and their parents "have been absolutely amazing and very patient as we go through this together."

Matt Lacy, associate superintendent of Jackson schools, said Jackson educators are focusing on the emotional needs of their students, as well as academics.

"Our teachers are reaching out to their kids, just checking on their well-being," Lacy said. "How are they doing? Do they need anything?"

Nell Holcomb school superintendent Bleau Deckerd said members of his staff have helped prepare food for delivery or pick-up at the school. To deliver the food, Deckerd said the district has been sending out buses -- because bus drivers know the routes best -- along with enrichment packets to keep students engaged.

"We just appreciate everybody being understanding at this time," he said. "If [families] need any help from the school district, I know we're doing a lot for the people in that community, but if there's anything else they need, feel free to reach out to us."

For many elementary and secondary students, school is a safe place -- something they can count on for a hot meal, support from teachers and time spent with friends. Jefferson Elementary School principal Leigh Ragsdale said the uncertainty about what type of environment her students will have at home is one of many concerns right now.

"People are getting laid off of their jobs; homes are changing," Ragsdale said. "It's a scary time for our kids and everyone. ... We believe it's our job to show [our students] that even though it's crazy and scary ... we're going to keep connecting, even if it's from afar because that's what we signed up to do and nothing is going to stop us."

Ragsdale and other members of her staff have been making phone calls -- sometimes by video call -- to check in with students at home. Some Jefferson Elementary teachers have even been sending students postcards or other mail.

Questions constantly run through Ragsdale's mind and keep her up in the middle of the night. Who are we missing? Who is slipping through the cracks? Who have I not laid eyes on? Who have I not been able to get hold of?

"We just want to make sure that 100% of our people know that we are here for whatever we can do," she said, overcome briefly by emotion. "I know we're just a school, but I just feel like it's so much more than that to some people."