Riverside Superintendent Discusses Continuity of Education During Coronavirus Crisis

Riverside School District Superintendent Bret Trotta said the district is successfully continuing education for the nearly 1,400 students served by his staff.

The Riverside team of administrators and teachers are taking the review and enrichment approach to education during the Coronavirus crisis. He said they are working to meet the needs of all the students of the district.

According to Trotta, getting everyone up and running with at home learning was a challenge. He said because a portion of the district is settled in more rural areas, some students lacked access to Internet. Others, he said, simply did not have the devices necessary to complete the work.

Since the school closing in late March, Trotta said the staff and administration have worked to get a majority of students—about 300—devices they needed to finish out the school year.

Because of that the administration has yet to settle on an exact method of “grading.” Trotta said after Easter break the district will be announcing a plan of action for such a system.

“It has been a huge transition to online learning,” Trotta said. “The staff has done a great job of adapting and helping students adjust.”

But beyond the learning aspect, Trotta said just as important is the interaction between the teachers and the students.

“We’ve asked the teachers to focus on relationships with the students,” he said.

According to Trotta, this includes being there for the students, helping to alleviate stress and pressure for the kids, and keeping learning simple at this point.

“Stability is vital during this time of crisis,” Trotta said. “We are giving kids the benefit of the doubt.”

Also important at this time is keeping the students fed.

“Our meal distribution plan is up and running,” Trotta said. “The cafeteria staff and support staff have been amazing.”

Food director, Randy Walker and cafeteria staff including Sheri Veres, Shari D’Achille, and Robin Patton have shown such a dedication during this critical time. Trotta said he finds so much pride in their efforts.

He also is thankful to the townships in the district. Franklin and North Sewickley townships have been so supportive in offering destinations for food pickups.

Overall, Trotta said all involved in keeping the students fed and educated have stepped up to the plate in a big way.

“I have been so pleased with the level of cooperation from the school board, the administrators, the teachers, and the support staff,” he said.

And according to Trotta, special senior class-oriented events haven’t been forgotten. He said although nothing has been set in stone yet at this point, alternate plans have been discussed for such events. He said more details will need to be worked out based on when social distancing guidelines will be lifted in order for any events to be rescheduled.