Teacher: It's 'pure torture' not to see students for rest of year due to coronavirus

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Pure torture, that's how preschool teacher Stephanie Chase described knowing she wouldn't be able to see her students in person for the remainder of the school year. 

Following Governor Eric Holcomb's decision to close all K-12 school buildings across the state Thursday, Chase, a special needs teacher at Culver Family Learning Center, was nearly fighting back tears reflecting on the school year's final moments.

"To think the last time I saw them was almost a month ago is very sad," she said. "They're like my own babies, my own children. And to not be able to see them is heartbreaking.

"I am dying inside not being able to see my kids."

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Holcomb's executive order requires all schools to conduct remote instruction due to the increasing spread of COVID-19. Currently, Indiana has over 3,000 confirmed cases of the highly infectious virus and the state's illness peak is still expected weeks away, state officials said.

Evansville Day School parent Dr. Kimberly Foster said despite the mixed emotions she and her five children feel about the loss of their remaining school year, she applauded Gov. Holcomb's decision.

"As a medical provider, I was relieved that Gov. Holcomb was taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously," the Evansville obstetrician and gynecologist said. "By Gov. Holcomb canceling school for the remainder of the year, it sends a message that we are going to be dealing with this pandemic well into the summer."

Foster's son, William, who's finishing up his last year at EDS, never thought his final day inside the school building as a student would be March 13. And while discouraged from missing out on prom and possibly high school commencement, William said those events are the least of his concerns.

"I am disappointed that prom and all of the senior traditions will be canceled," he said. "I know the EDS staff is trying their hardest to rectify some of these awesome traditions for the class of 2020, including graduation.

"Since my mom is a physician, I see the bigger picture, though. Globally and locally, we are facing a crisis. The fact that I am not having a prom is the least of my worries."

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Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. teachers are currently using state waiver days to prepare for virtual learning days. And, though she's confident schools will be able to provide sound education during this period, Chase said she's concerned with the well-being of students and their families.

She anticipates the move to at-home instruction will be challenging for parents to maintain their household structures and provide for students, especially those with lower incomes. 

To help alleviate the burden that comes with virtual learning, Chase said she's focused on administering assignments that don't require Internet access, as many families may not have computers, WiFi or other technology. 

"Honestly, all I can do is keep putting things out there and hope at least one (parent) can keep that routine going," Chase said. "I know it's really tough."

She and another Culver teacher have directed students to complete more interactive assignments that won't require parents to break the bank. The goal, she said, is to keep her students learning while staying entertained.