Lambert leads virtual learning as new norm at Bob Jones

MADISON – Without advance notice to allow for planning, virtual learning is the new normal for students and teachers at Bob Jones High School, Principal Sylvia Lambert said.

“This pandemic is an unprecedented prolonged period of time in which our students, teachers and parents are all adjusting to a completely different school experience,” Lambert said. That adjustment is coupled with “many other factors, such as the COVID-19 restrictions, work schedules of parents, child care, additional stress and anxiety.”

Bob Jones students are feeling these pressures and are concerned about their classes, their families, their friends and the world in the near future, Lambert said.

“As schools were abruptly closed in March, our students were in the course request progress of choosing the courses that they would like to take for next school year,” Lambert said. “While we have been out of school, our counselors and admin team have assisted and advised many students in completing this process by way of phone calls, emails and conference calls.”

Like other educators in Madison, Bob Jones teachers have begun virtual learning through platforms like Google Classrooms in which teachers conduct live lessons and chats. They also provide recorded lessons and have set up many resources to enrich students, based upon content standards and in helping prepare students for their next courses.

“Our teachers and students are very innovative in finding new ways to create presentations, produce video communications and solve problems,” Lambert said.

“Teachers are constantly checking in to encourage their students and to challenge them to read, to write, to enjoy being outside and to keep active. I have received emails from parents who are so appreciative to their children’s teachers for staying connected and for keeping their class connected,” Lambert said.

Teachers and school leaders have learned to conduct exciting virtual classrooms and meetings. “We have also scheduled virtual counseling sessions as some students experience significant levels of stress and anxiety,” Lambert said.

Bob Jones faculty and other employees also have been involved with food distribution and device pickup and dispersion.

To view Bob Jones’ website, visit bjhs.madisoncity.k12.al.us.