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Distance learning from students’ perspectives and a socially distant parade on Compass

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Cliff Carmody and Jeremy Kovash.
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Download a photo of fourth-grader Abigail Killoran and third-grader Anna Johnson.

Download a photo of Merle and Arlene Hahn of Boyd.

Download a photo of Miguel Rivas.

GRANITE FALLS, Minn. — On the next Compass program, Amanda Anderson from Pioneer PBS talks with educational service cooperative directors and students about distance learning and attends a socially distant 73rd anniversary parade in Boyd. The special will air Thursday, April 30 at 9 p.m. and will rebroadcast on Sunday, May 3 at 12:30 p.m. It will be viewable online at www.pioneer.org/compass after the original airing.

Anderson talks with Cliff Carmody, executive director at the Southwest West Central Service Coop, and Jeremy Kovash, executive director at the Lakes Country Service Cooperative. They discuss the support that area schools are asking for most right now, including legal advice and digital networking opportunities. “Traditionally, we’re the hub for professional development for educators, and today, we continue to be the hub,” says Kovash, “it’s just all turned online.”

Cousins fourth-grader Abigail Killoran and third-grader Anna Johnson talk with Anderson about their experiences with distance learning. Killoran attends Maple Valley Elementary in Tower City, North Dakota and Johnson attends Lake Park Elementary in Lake Park and they talk about their typical day and what works—and what doesn’t work—using distance learning. “One thing that I’m missing the most is sports and not being able to see friends,” Johnson said.

Merle and Arlene Hahn of Boyd recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. Adhering to Minnesota’s social distancing guidelines, the Boyd Fire Department planned an unusual surprise parade. Led by lime green and bright red fire trucks, almost the entire town of 175 got in their cars to drive by the Hahn household to wish them the best on their special day. “I never expected it. That was terrific.” said Merle Hahn, who worked for the Boyd Fire Department for nearly 30 years.

Miguel Rivas is a business owner in Worthington and told Pioneer PBS his story at an event in February. “My dad left my mom when I was 3 years old and my mom left me when I was 5 years old,” Rivas says. “Many times, if we love ourselves and work for what we want we can accomplish big things and be somebody that can help in your community.” While the story sharing events have been postponed, Pioneer PBS still wants to survey our viewing area for new voices and story ideas. Send your stories ideas to yourtv@pioneer.org or call 1-800-726-3178.

Viewers with story ideas and issues they would like to see discussed on Compass are encouraged to contact Pioneer PBS via email at yourtv@pioneer.org or call the station at 1-800-726-3178.

About Pioneer PBS

Established in 1966, Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station dedicated to sharing local stories of the region with the world. For more information visit: www.pioneer.org.