'We are in crisis': Online learning coming to Alamogordo schools amid coronavirus outbreak

Alamogordo Public Schools (APS) is preparing for what lies ahead in the realm of teaching students virtually for the foreseeable future, after the State of New Mexico announced that all public school buildings would close for the rest of the year in response to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.

New Mexico Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart announced Friday morning that the school closure will last until the end of the school year. Alamogordo Public Schools has a virtual learning curriculum prepared for students to continue learning through the school closure.

The APS Board of Education held its first regular meeting on March 26, since schools were closed following the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency meeting on March 12.

MORE:New Mexico schools closed for remainder of academic year due to COVID-19

Even though it was a regular meeting with the regular agenda items, COVID-19 was the main topic of discussion.

"Make no mistake, we are in crisis," Alamogordo Public Schools Superintendent Jerrett Perry said.

APS has been making contingency plans in the event that public schools would not reopen on April 6 as planned. 

Online learning in coronavirus age

There is a possibility that the COVID-19 restriction could be a blessing in disguise as far as teaching is concerned, according to APS Deputy Superintendent Cara Malone.

"I think that the possibilities of the future will definitely move our instruction forward tremendously and help our kids in ways we have never done before," Malone said.

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The Continuous Learning program will begin April 7.

Originally, classes were set to resume on April 6, but now this day will be used as a preparation day for teachers and parents. The day will include a Google Hangout between Malone and parents.

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Since about 10 percent of students who responded to a district survey do not have internet access and 18 percent do not have computers, the district is going to help families in need.

APS is checking out computers to families that do not have one from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 1, 2, and 3 at specific sites.

On April 1, computer distribution will be at La Luz Elementary, Sierra Elementary, Sunset Hills Elementary, Buena Vista Elementary and Chaparral Middle School.

On April 2, computer distribution will be at Yucca Elementary, North Elementary, Desert Star Elementary, Academy del Sol and Mountain View Middle School.

On April 3, computer distribution will be at Alamogordo High School and at both Holloman Elementary and Holloman Middle School in the administration building.

As for internet, TDS is offering 60 days of free internet for families with children in school. For more information, call TDS at 844-239-9621.

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There are also places around Alamogordo that offer free Wi-Fi such as restaurants and many APS schools where Wi-Fi can be picked up in the establishment's parking lots.

For special education students, parents will be notified in writing about how services will be provided.

For more information, visit the APS COVID-19 website.

Alamogordo High senior class a priority

The Alamogordo High School senior class of 2020 is a priority, Perry said.

AHS Principal Ken Moore posted a letter to the AHS website and to Facebook about what the Class of 2020 can expect in the coming weeks.

"If you were on-track to graduate before all this happened, we're going to make sure you have everything you need to finish your classes, earn your credits, and graduate on time," the letter states. "If you weren't on-track, we're going to do everything we can to help you get on track and graduate. This will take some hard work, but what else do you have to do now anyway, right?"

MORE:Alamogordo declares state of emergency over coronavirus

Both the 2020 prom and commencements are fluid at this time as both events depend on the public health orders when the time comes, Moore said.

 "I'd still like to pull this off for you. Don't know when, where or how, but I know it's important to you, and it's important to me," Moore said. 

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on twitter at @nicmaxreporter