By Nyame-kye Kondo
Special to the AFRO

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way in which we communicate on a global scale. This is especially true as it relates to the education of our young people.  In an attempt to subdue and eradicate the possibility of spreading the infection, school districts throughout the world have closed their doors to minimize human to human transmissions. 

The schools in the District of Columbia, like all schools across the United States, are guided by the criteria set-up by the  Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Accordingly, the CDC’s official website states explicitly:

 “The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus,” according to the CDC. “The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person; Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).”

D.C. schools are going virtual in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, requiring students, parents and teachers, like veteran instructor Nia Freeman (pictured), to adjust to online instruction. (Courtesy Photo)

Taking this into consideration and the fact that the current global death toll surpasses 16,000 people, schools have been shut down for over a week now.  Thus, the District of Columbia Public School System has had to adjust to the new circumstances- distance learning.

From the comfort of their homes, D.C. educators have gone virtual in an attempt to keep their students engaged, all the while maintaining their “social distancing,” to reduce the infection rate of the pandemic. 

“Although some would consider the emergency postponement of classes to be an early spring break, many of the teachers in the D.C. Metropolitan area are working to maintain a structured classroom by using various programs via the Internet,” said veteran teacher Nia Freeman. “It’s important for all of us to keep school at the forefront even though we are unable to be there physically.”

When asked how her students and parents have been maintaining, Freeman responded humorously. “I saw one of my parents at the supermarket and she told me her children were doing acrobatics off the family couch- ‘So could you please send more work!’”  

“It’s great when parents and teachers want the same thing as it relates to the way our young people spend their time,” Freeman added. “Afterall, my parent could have said, ‘Oh, they are fine playing video games and eating me out of house and home.’ Most teachers and parents are clear about what we have to do during this challenging time and we are happy to try new avenues like being more virtual to curb this pandemic.”

While the adjustments and space may be trying, teachers are emphasizing to parents and students the importance of social distancing for the overall community.

“Of course we miss being in school with our kids and fellow colleagues,  but the health of our community is much more important,” said Two Rivers Public Charter School Vice Principal Muronji Inman.  “Not being together is more exhausting than dealing with people in person because there are new obstacles you face when you must operate through technology alone.”

While these precautionary measures were unexpected, families and educators alike are working to understand what it takes to eliminate what would otherwise be a hotbed of germs passed inside of  schools.

In the midst of the changes with distance learning, D.C. schools are still providing food services for children in need. Functioning like a pick up service, children are still able to get food around the clock. The continuation of this program is in response to the reality that a large percentage of American children get their food needs met while in school.

D.C. Public Schools announced they would be closed until Friday, April 24.  Classes will resume on Monday, April 27.