Majority of Students Improving Grades During Pandemic

Sean Buchanan is an educator at perhaps the most difficult time in recent memory.

Yet Buchanan, the principal at Geary Elementary School since 2017, points to improving grades among students and hard work of teachers and staff as positive signs of progress despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buchanan recently sat down for a virtual question-and-answer with the Geary Star to talk about how his school is doing as 2020 comes to a close.

How has the school been dealing with Covid-19?

We have implemented plans for in person and virtual learning. We have also tried to equip our teachers with everything they will need to handle a transition from one form of instruction to another. Additionally, we have invested heavily in cleaning materials and even additional staffing to try to ensure our buildings are as clean and welcoming as possible.

Have the kids been good at wearing masks?

Yes they have...this doesn't always come naturally, especially to younger students, but we are very proud of their efforts to keep everyone safe.

What are some positive things that are going on in your school?

Students and staff are working diligently. Seventy-five percent of our student body were able to improve their grades when you compare their grade at the halfway point in the 1st nine weeks to the grade they ended the 9 weeks with. We have also begun to align the academic practices of teachers across the district with an aim on improving the composite ACT score of our district. This narrowed focus ensures our graduates will be more apt to be college and career ready.

Any staff members you would like to highlight?

I would like to highlight our new secondary principal Mrs. Burns and our new Dean of Students Tammy Bates. These two have been working hard to form connections with and advocate for our students and their families. They have also tried to be a support for teachers during this difficult time.

What specific things would you like to accomplish in the first half of 2021?

We would like to find a way to ensure all of our students' educational needs are being met. Last spring, we weren't able to instruct in the way we would like, and we hope to prevent any students from falling behind due to this horrible virus.

What else should the community know about what's going on at your school?

I can't find another time in the history of public education when schools were affected in this way. Our current crop of educators were not taught to teach this way, and they have gone all in on doing everything possible to meet the needs of their students. We appreciate so very much the parents and guardians who have been patient and supported us during these trying times.