While COVID-19 has altered life for all, it thrust students and families into uncharted territory as education is facing an uncertain future as the state and country respond to the virus outbreak. In March, when the announcement that schools were closed for a few weeks, most began connecting communications that this was the beginning and not just a short few weeks of closure.

Almost immediately, schools began researching and digging into their student data and creating plans for the changing educational landscape. At Alcona Community Schools, we had staff calling families gauging internet access, device readiness at home, method of learning preferred (paper resources or online), and even parent readiness for supporting learning.

Teaching staff began immediately preparing for remote education, collaborating in buildings and grade levels along with the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District on professional development virtually.

The shift in educational practices arguably might be the most substantial in over a century of reforms. Our teachers in all local districts have responded, innovated, and, as much as they can, embraced this new normal. We have kindergarten classes meeting via video, new project-based opportunities for students with a heavy emphasis on connecting with students, and building relationships in this new educational medium.

While, educationally, this has been challenging for the professionals, it has been just as tough on families. There was little time for the amount of preparation to help students and parents ready for the change in education and offer support for what is now needed to support students.

My wife and I experience the challenges on a day-to-day basis, trying to balance a feverish pace of work while now having our kids at home and trying to facilitate educational opportunities. There are no improper questions from parents at this point. Contact your school or teacher if you need assistance. Distant learning is new for all involved, and everyone only wants the best as we navigate this together.

Collaboration between schools, businesses, and nonprofits, and the community may have never been stronger. It’s times like this when people come together. We have had local businesses offer internet access for students and the community. Alcona County’s Economic Development Council has been engaged with the district since day one, working with providers on connectivity options for students and families. The emphasis on collaboration moving forward is a significant priority as we all navigate uncharted waters.

Education faces an uncertain future, as there are likely challenges ahead with school funding shortages and an unpredictable fall as we navigate the unknown status of COVID-19.

Schools, families, and communities need to stick together as we work to deal with many of these new challenges so that we can help provide as many quality opportunities for our most precious resource, our kids.

Dan O’Connor is superintendent of Alcona Community Schools.