WILMINGTON — Teachers at all levels are doing their best to adapt to this unique pandemic situation.

Many of them have been able to send home material to students as well as sharing fun activities.

Ciara McGee, a preschool intervention specialist at East End Elementary, and others have been able to use Class Dojo, an online platform used to communicate back and forth with parents.

“There are so many really cool options like virtual storytimes, zoo visits, dance/yoga classes, and learning websites that are offering free subscriptions,” said McGee. “We can customize those to our students’ individual needs, and that is a great resource.”

Brandy Smith, a third-grade language arts teacher at Denver Place Elementary, says she’s been able to keep in contact with the students and families daily to touch base and assist, but it isn’t quite the same.

“There is nothing that can replace the teaching, learning, and relationship-building that goes on in a classroom,” said Smith.

Although this rather abrupt and quickly escalated situation can be difficult for everyone involved, they understand and agree with Gov. Mike DeWine’s canceling classes.

During this time, McGee’s happy to have the opportunity to teach students in a new way. She’s also happy to see teachers and district staff come together to help students and their families.

“I would just like to thank all of the parents, caretakers, WCS staff and everyone in the community, for stepping up and helping to continue to keep everything as consistent and as positive as possible,” she said. “It takes a team and everyone coming together to help move things forward!

“To my precious students, I miss each one of you and hope to see you soon.”

Despite not being able to teach in the classroom now, Smith keeps something in mind.

“One positive I have seen through all this is just a great reminder of how blessed I am to work in a district that cares so much about students and families,” said Smith. “There have been many challenges that the district has faced over the last week and it has been amazing to see so many employees step outside of their assigned jobs and put in extra hours to ensure the needs of our students and families were met. “