As plans are put in place for school districts to continue learning from the comfort of their homes, Hillcrest Academy will continue to provide students with learning opportunities. Governor Kim Reynolds announced the extended closure of schools till April 30th to stop the spread of COVID-19 and Hillcrest Academy Principal Dwight Gingerich says their online learning plans have been a great success. Gingerich tells KCII News about the unique lessons being taught and the positive feedback received from parents, “There’s been some pretty creative things going on. A chemistry teacher had the kids make pancakes and tried to understand the chemistry of pancakes. They’re able to see each other through Zoom and see what they are doing. The feedback from parents has been pretty positive. It’s been a really interesting thing and we’re learning as we are going. I feel good about what we have been able to do, and yet we are still trying to figure out how we can do a little bit better.” The Hillcrest Distance Learning Program sets up school days into four days and four periods each day with a break in the middle. Periods one, three, five, and seven meet on Mondays and Thursdays. And periods two, four, six, and eight meet on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays are set up like a break day for students and a prep day for teachers. Gingerich encourages parents and students to continue asking questions to be able to make improvements when necessary.