Cranberry Continues Remote Learning

Cranberry Continues Remote Learning

Cranberry Junior/Senior High School has officially been on a remote learning model for four weeks now. Due to the rising positive cases in Venango County, students left school on November 5th knowing they wouldn’t be back the next day. Starting immediately on the 6th, the school began using a remote learning plan which has continued ever since. 

Students are tasked with logging on to google classroom every school day to complete attendance questions, both from their teachers and the school itself. They are then to work that day’s assignments, which can come in a variety of forms: websites, google slides, Zoom meetings, videos, and digital worksheets. 

Unlike many other schools in the area that have transitioned to online learning, students from CHS have only 4 classes a day. This is because for the first part of the year, Cranberry ran on a block schedule, which had students attending 4 classes a day, each being as long as 2 normal periods. Because Cranberry would continue this scheduling should students return, they decided to continue it through remote learning as well.

Cranberry staff still has to report to school on time everyday, which is where teachers post their assignments, as well as have optional Zoom meetings from. They also use the school hours to respond to any emails or questions that students may have throughout the day. It’s quite challenging for teachers to translate some of their lessons into an online format, but they’re trying their absolute best to make remote learning an engaging experience for all of their students.

Despite this, some students just can’t help that they learn better in person. On this topic, CHS principal Richard Smith stated that “though some students are thriving in the online environment, many of our students are struggling without that personal touch that our Cranberry staff does so well.”

Smith also believes that there are still positives to bring out of this situation. According to him, one of them is that “staff is becoming more fluid in their use of technology and associated programs to help meet the needs of their students.”

At the earliest, CHS students will be back in school by January 11th. Until then, they should continue to work diligently on their assignments, and remain positive through these troubling times.