RCS Launches Online Distance Learning in Response to Spread of COVID-19
Submitted by Teresa Hendren in RCS Highlights on March 20, 2020
On Friday, March 13th, the Redwood Christian Schools Board and Administration decided, in light of the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus an imminent “stay-in-place” directive, to transition all classes, TK-12th, to online distance learning. On Monday, March 16th, RCS students came to campuses to pick up their belongings and to prepare for at-home learning. After two days to transition their curriculum, RCS teachers launched the first-ever RCS Online Distance Learning program in the school’s history.
RCS students are not only keeping busy at home, they are participating in a fully enriched academic program, including fine arts utilizing Zoom video conferencing and various online educational apps in addition to the school’s curriculum. Even athletic teams met virtually to connect and share work out plans. The launch of RCS online distance learning has proved successful both in operations and in keeping the school connected.
“Overall, I think today was a success. From a technical standpoint, I found no errors in Zoom, and the program was easy for me to figure out. Furthermore, I found it very easy to interact with my teachers as if we were still in a classroom setting. I think today set a strong foundation, and moving forward I feel that this system will be a great asset for students to use. Thank you for your time, and your diligence over the last few weeks,” says Daniel Barquero, a senior at RCS.
Superintendent Al Hearne II said about both the quick transition and launch of RCS online distance learning, “I deeply appreciate how everyone has stepped up to this new challenge of Online Distance Education. It shows the entire RCS community is collectively committed to students and what is best for them no matter the circumstances.”
More feedback:
“Incredible first day of online learning. Felt like the first day of school and was amazing to watch our teachers tackle this new adventure so well” – Mr. Barnhart, Director of RCS Global, 11th Grade U.S. History Teacher.
“A big thank you to you and all your staff who have worked so hard to launch the online lessons in such a short time under trying circumstances. Great job!” – The Shuh Family
“Online learning feels a lot different than in-school learning. In a lot of ways it is better and more fun. When you get into a lesson, it feels more like you are having a one-on-one learning experience with the teacher than in a classroom environment, where students can disrupt and distract. In online classes, the teacher has more control of the entirety of the class because there are simple solutions to misbehaving students. The teachers have more freedom with styles of teaching and I think that online learning is a very cool and creative idea and concept!” – Ethan (9th)
“Change never comes easy but with God all things are possible” – Kaira (12th)
“Can I just say this is actually a lot of fun!!! It’s going great so far!!!” – Miss Humphreys, 5th Grade Teacher
“The kids and parents showed up to both the morning meeting and the afternoon meeting. It was such a neat time as a class!” – Mrs Sommers (3rd Grade)
“It was an amazing first day of Online Distance Learning. Teachers were able to greet their students face to face because of working technology. Students were in their classes today, and the energy in virtual classrooms was like the first day back after a long break.” – Mr. Castaneda, MSHS Assistant Principal, Director of AAP
“I thought today went fairly well. I am still getting used to sitting in one place and learning virtually, but I’m really glad that school hasn’t stopped.” – Dominic (11th)
