CHAPPELL - The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way people meet to abide by social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Easter dinners this weekend, city council meetings and school courses - from elementary to high school - are being held online via video conferencing services.

Once the novel coronavirus situation is resolved, will this become the new normal? 

Creek Valley Superintendent Patrick Ningen says there are positives and opportunities coming out of the pandemic. He says there's knowledge being gained on certain things, such as conducting high school credit courses online.

"We talk about preparing today's students for tomorrow's world," Ningen says. "When kids go off to college, many of the colleges nowadays are going to be offering some type of online course work. Knowing how to arrange your schedule, knowing how to keep on top of things, and knowing how to work through the program to get your school work done is going to be very important."

High school credit course online should be something that is looked into for future classes, according to Ningen. Students at Creek Valley High School, located in Chappell, Neb., are already taking dual credit and college credit courses online. 

Ningen says the virtual learning tools, that have been used since the school closed in March, has been a challenge in terms of faculty being by their students' sides when they need help. However, he's been happy with the students and staff on how they've received the virtual learning opportunities, and says they've "stepped up to the plate." 

Schools are closed through the remainder of the year and graduations have been put on hold. Creek Valley has yet to announce plans for this year's graduation ceremony.

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Creek Valley Superintendent Patrick Ningen joined Swap Shop on April 8 to talk about the school's COVID-19 response and how students are staying active in education. Listen to the full interview HERE.