By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland students and staff are adapting to the changes brought on by guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seventy percent of pupils are involved in hybrid instruction with two days a week in the classroom and three days online.

Thirty percent are using remote learning with no classroom contact.

When not in the building, the students check in on their computers to verify attendance for virtual lessons.

A form appears on the screen which asks the students to report and answer a few questions relating to assignments and the agenda for that school time.

Director of Community Relations and Development Nicole McGalla commented on the arrangement.

This is to make sure they are engaged and doing their work for the day,” McGalla said.

She said all students attending in person keep their masks on for the entire day at all grade levels, except for eating.

McGalla said 6 feet of social distancing is maintained in the cafeteria at lunch time and during instructional activities throughout the day.

The district is making certain instrumental and vocal learning are also available.

For the first six weeks, band students could connect to Zoom for instructional time.

The technology department provides the Smartmusic program for high schoolers so they can play their instruments along with the computer.

Smartmusic evaluates and provides a score for the student’s performance.

Orchestral members are permitted to rehearse indoors with masks on.

Vocal participants are given a combination of in-person and online assignments.

Teachers contribute an analysis of performance elements online as much as possible. During classroom sessions, music theory and history are topics of instruction.

McGalla said teachers are doing an amazing job and are sharing creative ideas with their peers.

“This is not easy for anyone,” McGalla said. “It’s hard on the staff, the kids and the parents.”

Nevertheless, she noted, Parkland is working hard to provide a positive learning experience for everyone at all levels, both in the classroom and online.