Schools closing and where do we go from here

School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting people of all ages in schools, teachers, and families.

At the University of Wyoming, online classes continue in earnest, with the end of the semester rapidly approaching. 

Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health have public health orders to keep school buildings closed to students through at least April 30, 2020. 

“School districts should work directly with their local community health department to establish protocols to control the spread of COVID-19 and educate their employees and students on prevention,” says the Wyoming Department of Education’s website.

Schools across Wyoming closing down- physically, at least- has forced teachers and administrations to quickly brainstorm effective ways to teach in such a time. 48 school districts across Wyoming have produced Adapted Learning Plans, as required. The plans lay out their strategies for continuing to educate students while schools are closed due to the pandemic.

Part of UW’s adjustment to the closure of school has been their new S/U (satifactory/unsatisfactory) grading initiative, which students now have until April 30th to decide to participate in. Online course delivery will continue through the summer term after a virtual 2020 graduation ceremony.

As of April 15, five cases have been reported in Albany County, although none with direct connections to the university. 

The last day of classes for the University of Wyoming’s spring semester is May 8, with finals week closing the following week. School closures are changing students’ realities right now, but social distancing ensures a better future.