Among cancellations on high school calendars today are a National Honors Society induction at East, Diversity Week at La Follette, and an orchestra concert at West.
But for some Madison students who have been enrolled in band, they might not have instruments to use during class.
Peter Kuzma, arts education coordinator for the Madison school district, says high school students will be picking up their instruments through the end of next week and they plan to get instruments to middle schoolers in May.
“We have come up with a protocol and a process to maintain all safety aspects and maintaining social distancing and being aware of infectious disease safety,” he says.
Kuzma says arrangements will be made for students who cannot safely come to school to pick up instruments.
He also says teachers are working on options of showcasing student work, but it can be tricky to protect student privacy.
“Especially the middle and high school have been really focused on allowing students to respond to their instructional prompts and to be able to share work electronically amongst one another within their individual groups. We’re working through some of the details regarding COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) to ensure that we can handle this in a way that is compliant with all laws.”
Alida LaCosse is a music teacher at James C. Wright Middle School. She says early in the year all of her students began learning how to make electronic music. As students finish out the school year at home, they’re still learning how to make music.
Leaders of the Black Student Union published a video this week to educate and remind peers to be thoughtful while interacting online. The students stress the permanency of posts. Advisor Ebrahim Amara asks students to remember they are one school community.
“It’s very important that we show each other respect and kindness as we continue to interact virtually,” Amara says.
Another group of Madison students, Bleed Shamelessly, are collecting and distributing menstrual products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members spoke to Ali Muldrow on A Public Affair about their work.
Maggie Di Sanza says it has been difficult to organize while social distancing. And she also just misses her classmates.
“It’s very isolating not being able to speak to your peers on a daily basis, be able to learn and collaborate with them. For us it means that we can’t meet in person,” she says.
The last day of school for students is still scheduled for June 10th, though virtually.
Photo c/o Madison Metropolitan School Department
