By MADISON INGRAM

LOUISIANA, Mo. — Time away from the classroom has resulted in a social media wave to engage with students. Louisiana Middle School administration and staff have taken great strides in an effort to create a positive learning environment for students while they are learning from home.

Louisiana Middle School Principal Bobby Spoonster addressed students and parents via Facebook on Sunday, April 12, announcing a week of fun and a surprise later in the week.

“This gives us an opportunity to stay connected with our kids. It gives students an opportunity to see their teachers and catch a glimpse of their normal routine. We want to engage them and give them something to look forward to or be excited about” explained Spoonster.

LMS teacher Jared Kilpack challenged coworkers, Jenny Palmer, Lindsey O’Hara, Liz Wallace, Sheryl Mills and Bobby Spoonster to a Lip Sync Battle. Battles are being posted daily for parents and students to vote through “likes.” The teacher with the most likes on their lip sync video wins the battle of the day. Some of the selected songs for the battles include “Old Town Road Remix,” a freestyle to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Eye of the Tiger.”

Spoonster also introduced another challenge titled, “Way back Wednesday” in which baby photos of Louisiana staff were posted on the Facebook page as well. Students were encouraged to comment on photos with a guess as to which teacher was featured. The student with the most correct guesses will receive a prize when schools are able to gather once again.

On Thursday, April 16, another video was posted revealing the big surprise mentioned in Sunday’s video. Spoonster announced that LMS staff will be doing a parade route throughout Louisiana to distribute full-size candy bars that were previously purchased for a fundraiser that was expected to happen this Spring.

The parade is expected to take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 4 p.m. Teachers will stay in their cars and encourage students to stand outside, wave and talk to their teachers. The parade route will be posted on the LMS Facebook page this weekend.

“This allows teachers to see their students for the first time in a month. Some of our teachers are retiring and this could be the last time they see their kids. In a time like this we want to put out as much positivity as we can and show students that we care,” said Spoonster.

LMS also uses Facebook groups to help with the distribution of lessons to students and parents. The closed groups include daily instruction from teachers for the packets sent home to students. Instruction and videos are accessible to both parents and students allowing questions through comments or direct messages.

“This has been great with engagement not only with students, but parents as well. This is a learning experience for everyone,” added Spoonster.

This hasn’t been an easy transition for students, teachers or school staff at any school district. School staff have tried to go the extra mile in unprecedent times. Many teachers have never had to teach classes online, nor have they had to take a class online. This change has created new obstacles and barriers for staff and students who are introducing themselves to the world of remote learning.

The staff at LMS is learning new ways to connect and still reach their students and their efforts haven’t gone unrecognized. Spoonster highlighted the hard work and dedication of his staff.

“My staff is amazing. They take it upon themselves to grow so that we can continue to reach our students. They are phenomenal, and I cannot think them enough,” Spoonster shared.

LMS is also in the midst of searching for a date to honor eighth grade students being promoted to high school. Spoonster assured that LMS would do their best to ensure students promotion is celebrated before their freshmen year.

Tune to KJFM Radio for more on this and find more local news online at kjfmeagle102.net.