By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

When the 2020-21 school term began Aug. 31, Parkland teachers were well-prepared for the hybrid set up of in-person and online instruction.

Director of Community Relations and Development Nicole McGalla commented on the work involved for teachers before the start of school.

“We offered 60 workshops from May through July,” McGalla said. “In August, we had mandatory courses on how to engage in both venues.

“Teachers had tons of professional development and training on how to be successful at it.”

She added the district has certified teachers who are “tech mentors” sprinkled through all buildings.

They are the go-to people for concerns which arise relating to the technology in education process.

Under the system adopted for the present term, students with last names beginning with A-L attend on Monday and Tuesday.

Those whose last names begin with M-Z attend Thursdays and Fridays.

McGalla provided an example of a grade school teacher who has 24 students.

Twelve would attend in the building on Monday, and 12 on Tuesday.

Everyone is e-learning on Wednesday, McGalla said.

Whether children are at home or in school, teachers have to devise five days of instruction for all, McGalla noted.

She reported district officials tried to prepare for every situation, saying they mapped out seating in the cafeterias to maintain a six foot distance between students so they can take off their masks to eat.

Depending on the school situation, if there is not enough space for physical distance, some children might have to eat elsewhere in the building instead of in the cafeteria.

The district also has students who are doing all of their school time in a remote setting online.

McGalla said teachers had a chance to connect with their peers at the professional development sessions relating to in-person and online instruction.

McGalla looked forward to the new school year with its many adaptations due to COVID-19.

“We’re in good shape,” McGalla said.