Principal Perspective: Carrie Lee Elementary's Sarah Tobiason

During a normal December lunchtime at Carrie Lee Elementary, one can walk into an unexpected atmosphere where lights are dimmed, centerpieces decorate each table, and students participate in "fine dining etiquette" while they are serenaded with music. It's quite a transformation for the standard lunchroom. Many days, Principal Sarah Tobiason accompanies the students or guest singers on a piano as they sing. And now she's accompanying her staff for an even bigger transformation--one that is successfully taking students and staff from a normal classroom experience to the new online continuous learning.

Tobiason feels fortunate to live in a district where students are offered 1-on-1 device use. She credits much of the success so far of the online learning to the fact that students were regularly using their iPads or laptops in everyday school life.  She says, "Since students are comfortable with the navigation of the device, distance learning opportunities were not as much of a challenge as we moved to remote schooling."  

Additionally, Carrie Lee has teachers and staff who are well-versed in using technology, which has made the transition easier.  Teachers are busy creating videos, participating in Zoom meetings with students, and uploading and linking websites and documents with the intentional goal of student engagement. Tobiason comments, "Teachers have actually had time to respond personally and to spend 1:1 time with every student who is participating in continuous learning.  Students put videos and work samples onto a digital platform called SeeSaw.  Teachers are responding back through SeeSaw, email, or virtual Zoom meetings with students."

But Tobiason acknowledges that it's not just her staff and then students who are working hard.  She says, "Parent and family support has been awesome.  We have many parents and family members engaged on all levels with their children in the learning process.  It is fun to hear the feedback from families as they work alongside their students, watching over the student's shoulder as they work, and in helping students from time to time with a math problem or writing idea.  We are so appreciative of the time and commitment we have seen during the continuous learning process."

There have also been some positive surprises along the way.  According to Tobiason, "We have had the opportunity to do some things collaboratively in the area of technology." For example, the 4th grade team has made a "Vikings Newscast" each week, and the teachers are all in for playing the newscaster characters. At the 3rd grade level, teachers have also been creative in getting the students involved in reading and math. Carrie Lee students also have the opportunity to complete a survey to check in on how they are doing emotionally, which can be found on the specialist teachers' choice board, along with music, art, and exercise options.

The district still has a few more weeks to go before the official end of the school year, and Tobiason has a positive outlook. She says, "I look forward to the continued collaboration between the teaching staff, the administration, the technology committee, and essentially all employees of the school district.  It is amazing how many people it takes to put together an effective and meaningful remote system of learning!  The best part of it all is that it is for the sole purpose of continuing to benefit the students in our district!"