Picquet likes progress of alternative learning

Two weeks into an alternative learning plan for Perkins County Schools students, Superintendent Phillip Picquet likes the progress so far. 

The COVID-19 outbreak has closed schools throughout the state into May.  PSC launched a plan to get learning materials to students, along with daily lunches and breakfasts at various drop-off points in the district. 

With a 1:1 ratio of computers to high school students, teachers have been using a variety of delivery methods to provide instruction time. 

One of the limiting factors, Picquet said, deals with whether or not students have internet access and if that access can support such things as video conferencing. 

Some teachers have been using video conferencing to provide live instruction over the internet. 

These sessions are also being recorded and are being disseminated to those students without adequate internet speeds or access. 

That way all students get access to the same learning opportunities, Picquet said. 

He said they are working to ensure the services needed by  students with special needs are also being met. 

It just doesn’t look like it normally does, he said. It’s not exactly business as usual. he added. 

He said teachers are creating bench marks to measure student progress during this time. That will allow them to prepare for student learning needs next fall. 

Over the next three to five weeks , Picquet predicted teachers will become more efficient in delivering and meeting the educational needs of students.

Board meetings planned

Picquet said a special board meeting is planned for Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. to discuss the progress of the alternative learning situation and address any changes. If things are going well, it’s possible the meeting could be cancelled with the next regular board set for Monday, April 20 at 6 p.m.

In action by the board during their March and February meetings, contracts were offered to Picquet, 7-12 Principal Ben Jones, new K-6 Elementary Principal Nancy Sorensen. 

The base salary was $137,295 for Picquet, $85,500 for Jones and $76,800 for Sorensen. 

The board also approved the hiring of Jennifer Gonzalez for middle school science. 

Picquet said filling science position will provide some more flexibility of other staff and helps with compliance issues. 

She has taught at Chase County Schools for the past three years. 

Picquet said she is finishing another graduate degree this summer that will allow her to teach dual-credit courses. 

Board members also accepted the resignation of vocal music teacher Alyssa Yapp, effective at the end of the school year.