Spread the love

By BladenOnline

Bladen County native Robert Kinlaw, Director of Multimedia with EducationNC, published an article and video interviews in April of this year about leading a school during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Leading a school during COVID-19 means lifting a community,” by Kinlaw has three video episodes as well.

The first episode, “The shift to digital learning,” features the principals talking about the changes and challenges of remote learning.

In his multimedia publication, Kinlaw illustrated how schools around the state closed to prevent the virus. Educators are featured working to fight the inequities in his second episode titled, “Supporting students from a distance.

In April, Bladen County Principal of Clarkton School of Discovery explained Bladen County Schools were providing meals for all students in the area. Kisha Clemons, Principal with Shuford Elementary, told of the on-site therapist they had checking on their students, and another principal said there was a district-wide hotline set up for their schools.

James Hopkins, Principal from Lakewood Elementary, said every student at his school received a phone call at least once a week.

The Internet was the most significant issue mentioned by the educators.

In the last video, “Positive outcomes of the pandemic,” the principals discuss the positive takeaways.

Norris with CSD said, “I really think as a result of this you’re going to see a growing appreciation for the school, the school system, the teachers, all the workers in the school.”

Tabari Wallace, Principal of West Craven High, said, “This is the first time I think I’ve seen multiple municipalities come together to try to overcome this big obstacle we have.”

Jenny O’Meara, Principle of Phillips Middle, was excited when she said, “I think this is the perfect opportunity to reimagine how we do school.”

This report was made in April 2020, at this time, we do not have an update on how the principals feel about the continuing issues facing our education system.