"It's all hands on deck," Shedrick said. "I would rather our students see our faces fully online than to see us with masks and all they see is our eyes. Also, we're able to show our love via online compared to school because you have to stay six feet apart."
Other teachers at the school, such as 8th grade ELA teacher Taloria Givens, plan to use audiobooks to help engage students.
"It's so different but I'm super excited to see my previous and incoming students," she said. "We'll see how it goes but I'm definitely optimistic about it."
Special education teachers are also adjusting to the remote model of learning. Jillian Quigly told WBEN she's modified her office hours to accommodate families in the evening and even gave her personal phone number to families with any questions. Similarly, John Alessandra is optimistic about this year.
"As I'm trying to teach my students, I'm trying to teach them to be comfortable with the uncomfortable," Alessandra said. "Even though this isn't an ideal situation for anyone, I believe this adversity will allow our students to grow past some certain barriers."
Despite all the drama surrounding Williamsville Schools, it's back to school day. The hybrid model of learning begins for elementary school kids at Dodge Elementary. pic.twitter.com/T0VnQBbX6V
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) September 8, 2020
