JACKSON – School administrators and instructors have had a challenging time with the current school closure and remote learning, but they decided they also needed to provide a lesson in hope for the community as well.
That lesson came in the form of a fast-paced, fun-filled video shot around school facilities as inspiration to not only school staff and students but for parents and residents of Jackson to let them know that things will get better.
The effort was led by Jackson Liberty High School Principal Geoff Brignola, who was also the lead singer. The group dropped a video with new lyrics to a song entitled “It’s NOT the End of the World as We Know It,” riffing off the R.E.M. song of the opposite sentiment.
Brignola said, “we were working hard to get our students the tools they needed, and we took a moment to convey the most important lesson of all – which is that we are here for them and that everything is going to be okay. Letting them know in a lighthearted way seemed to work – the response was amazing.”
As of April 1, the video had nearly 26,000 views on the district’s YouTube Channel, which can be found at jacksontelevision.com.
Early on during the process district administrators pulled together some footage of how they were spending the first few days of remote learning – getting Chromebooks to students, organizing lessons, and showing off their song re-writing skills.
While Brignola spearheaded the project, video technology teachers Harry Ferone and Ethan Noble put it together using footage submitted from work being done in different buildings that were mostly empty, as per the guidelines.
All district principals and Superintendent of Schools Stephen Genco are featured doing various tasks from getting Chromebooks ready, to driving floor cleaners, to washing their hands and dancing.
“In the midst of all that was going on to get our students prepared for remote learning, to have this video go out with that message was truly genius,” School Superintendent Stephen Genco said. “It was born out of a true desire to convey hope and security, and a little bit of humor into a very serious situation, and our community loved it.”
After the district e-mailed it out, responses came back thanking the staff for creating a positive vibe during a stressful time.
“This was fantastic! My first grader really loved her principal and vice principal flossing,” wrote Switlik parent Jennifer Morello in a response to the district e-mail. “Thank you for the uplifting video! Jackson is the best!”
“The collaboration, cooperation and spirit of teamwork among parents, staff and kids has been remarkable,” Genco said. “Some principals have been calling kids on their birthdays. Teachers are adapting and thriving in this new environment. Students are utilizing varied methods to learn. Food service workers and transportation staff helping to ensure food continuity for eligible families. It has truly brought out the best in all of us.
“This is unchartered territory for all of us, and as time goes on we will keep adding ways we can all adapt and excel,” Genco said. “Knowing what I know about the caliber of staff and students and families in our district, I have full confidence in our ability to get through this together.”
School District Communications Manager Allison Erwin said, “district students will be continuing along with their remote learning plans until further notice and until the state makes a determination that it is safe for schools to reopen.”
“Until then, the district will continue to communicate with families and will continue to work to meet students’ needs,” Erwin added.
The district’s Remote Learning Plans are located on the district website at Jacksonsd.org/rlp. COVID-19 updates can be found at jacksonsd.org/covid19.
The district is encouraging families to visit both of those pages for information, which includes links and resources for different kind of supports that are available, including technological, economic and social emotional supports.
The district has also launched a separate TechToolKit page to help parents, teachers and students understand ways to adapt in a remote learning environment. That address is jacksonsd.org/techtoolkit.
“During times of crisis it is important for all of our staff and families to know that we are here for them and that there are places they can go for help,” said Assistant Superintendent of Schools Nicole Pormilli. “From help with how to understand how to use their child’s Google account, to links for Department of Labor information, to tips and activities to keep themselves and their child healthy from a social emotional standpoint – there are some great resources on there.”
