IPS heads back to class virtually during coronavirus pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — On Monday, Indianapolis Public Schools students started classes virtually.

“It doesn’t feel like the first day of school, does it? Because you’re not at school,” sixth-grade teacher Katy Larson explained to her students via computer from her classroom Monday.

No hugs, no high-fives or in-class greetings — that was how the first day of school started for Larson’s class.

“It’s a little sad that my classroom is empty. I don’t have my students in the room with me, so it’s a little bit of a sad feeling but just focusing on the joy and excitement of getting to connect with my students again,” Larson said.

For the first time in her 19 years as a teacher, that connection has to be electronic, instead of in person, all because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve never been a virtual teacher, so this is all new to me. It’s going surprisingly well,” Larson said.

On the whiteboard were Larson’s virtual class expectations. One of the reminders for her virtual class is to be patient with yourself, others and technology. She said virtual teaching isn’t easy.

“I had some students on live, ready to go and I had other students texting me saying, ‘I need help with this,’ then the school phone ringing saying, ‘You have a parent on the phone, they need help.’ So, just trying to help those that need it, but still help the ones that got on, engaged and active, so that they don’t get off,” Larson said.

So, how was the first day of 100% virtual learning? IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson told News 8 that she is cautiously optimistic.

“We know that being in a full remote learning environment is certainly different for all of us, our teachers, our students, our families. But, staff, teachers, everyone’s been up for the challenge. We’re being responsive to concerns that pop up and addressing questions and plowing ahead,” Johnson said.

Back in the classroom, Larson said 14 of her 25 students logged on Monday. Larson explained that it’s normal for not everyone to show up on a traditional first day of school.

For now, she hopes to have another first day later in the year when students can be here, in person.

All of those IPS students need a device to use to do their virtual work.

An IPS spokesperson tells News 8 the district has given out more than 30,000 devices to students over the last two weeks. That works out to about $16 million spent on technology, as an investment, says the district.

Here’s the breakdown: If your child is in grades 3-12, they get a Chromebook. Kids in Pre-K through second grade get iPads. Families who don’t have internet access also got MiFi mobile hot spots.

And while students are learning virtually, they still have to eat, too.

Starting Monday, the IPS Food Service Team will provide breakfast and lunch to all IPS students four days a week.

These individually wrapped, prepackaged meals will be distributed from IPS school parking lots on Mondays/Wednesdays and Tuesdays/Thursdays.

If your IPS student still needs a laptop, Chromebook or MiFi, reach out to your child’s school to get set up.

Alpha Garrett, with IPS, told News 8 the plan is to have students back in class, in person, on Oct. 2.