Remote learning helps Tigers roar louder than ever

On March 12, Lawrence Woodmere Academy students were informed that school would be closed to students on March 13 as a day of practice for online remote teaching. Teachers would be at the school that Friday, teaching them remotely and then meeting to debrief and share tips.

Students’ apprehension about what this really meant filled the air of LWA’s classrooms. Although they were happy to have a break from their challenging course work, they were scared for what the future might entail.

Students would have a modified schedule compared to the full day of full-length class periods they normally had, but classes would continue to be academically rigorous. LWA is using Google’s applications to ensure face-to-face, real-time connectivity between the students and teachers. Google Meet is being used as a portal for students and teachers to hold classes live on camera.

LWA is also using Google Classroom to attach assignments, exams and other useful information to provide students the best education possible. Students log into school at 10 a.m. rather than being physically at the school in Woodmere at 8 a.m. Each period is condensed to 20 minutes from the original 40. There is a 10-minute intermission between classes for students to have enough time to switch classes, prepare the materials for the next class, and relax. There is half hour lunch break beginning at noon. The entire school day stretches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The online remote teaching initiative has now been in place for almost three weeks. LWA students have handled the transition in a typical LWA manner by embracing the necessary change and exceeding the expectations of their teachers. Remote learning has us Tigers, the school’s nickname, roaring louder than ever.

“I am truly impressed with all of my students and colleagues,” said Laura Maffei, the English Department’s curriculum coordinator. “With only one day of practice and no lost class time, we all launched into a new way of teaching and learning together with the same rigor as before. Faculty quickly learned new software programs and transformed their materials and teaching strategies to be used in an online format. Students rose to the occasion with engaged participation and diligent work. I am so proud of LWA.”

Junior Blake Pomerantz said, “I cannot lie, it took some time to get used to the parameters of online learning. However, once I figured it out, it became a valued resource in my education overall. Everything is clear and straightforward. It also serves as a distraction from all of the craziness going on in the world. Plus, it’s not so bad waking up at 9:30 in the morning.”

Lawrence Woodmere Academy teachers has been instrumental in keeping the momentum going at rapid speed as they continue to refine and enhance LWA’s remote learning. The exceptional education LWA offers is now available on our screens due to the teachers’ assiduous attitude.

They have also transformed the remote teaching into a system of support for students and their families during these unprecedented times. While the workload given by teachers keeps students occupied, teachers also know it is important to check in on the students to ensure that everything is OK. The teachers know that their health and sanity is more important than anything else they can offer. 

On behalf of the LWA family: Stay home, Stay safe, Stay sane. We will be back.