Kristie Brooks, Cusseta, GA

We are asking rural communities to share how COVID-19 is impacting them and how teachers and teacher-leaders are adapting in the face of nationwide school closures. Read below for a perspective from Kristie Brooks of Cusseta, GA - our first Georgia submission! You can share yours here: http://bit.ly/iaartcovid

Beginning March 13, the district closed the building and operating remotely. By March 16, parents were notified and bus stops were used to deliver meals throughout the town. As of May 8, 2020, we have delivered over 36,000 meals in our sparsely populated, rural, military town. Additionally, Chromebooks were provided to every 6th-12th grader who responded that a device was needed. With over 200 devices given and over 600 flashdrives provided with access to what was online, there was an 85% participation. Learning packets were delivered and pickup/drop off boxes available for K-5th grade and over a 90% return rate. The local Sherriff made drop boxes available and assisted the school in meal deliveries. The OneHeartBeat community grew stronger together during this pandemic.