CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – When schools across the country went to distance learning last month veteran math teacher Joe Novak was ready to help his students work through formulas with visual diagrams – the same way he does in a classroom at De La Salle Collegiate.

But instead of the usual whiteboard, Novak created an old-school blackboard to use during his online classes.

“When this all happened, my wife Stacie and I were actually thinking we would paint one of the basement walls with chalkboard paint for our two boys,” Novak said. “Then I thought, if I paint the door to the furnace room, I can use that to duplicate the classroom experience of seeing problems worked out.” 

The chalkboard is in the background as Novak meets during the day with his various classes from advanced algebra to Advanced Placement calculus. The chalkboard is part of regular videos Novak prepares each night for classes the next day. 

In addition to the chalkboard, Novak other De La Salle teachers are working hard to keep track of attendance, by reviewing each student’s daily exit ticket and checking homework. 

“It’s a little tough sitting in front of a computer all day, and not moving around,” Novak said. “It’s tough for the kids, too. You can see their heads starting to droop in the afternoon.”

During the school day, as he works in the basement, Novak is available during each class for students to drop into his classroom virtually. 

“I can’t imagine how difficult this is for the seniors,” he said. “I have about 10 seniors who come to the meet every time, and look forward to this.” 

Novak is particularly working with his AP students to make sure they are prepared for AP tests next month. 

“The test has been shortened to 45 minutes,” he said. “There is no multiple choice. This will be all free-response questions.” 

While Novak teaches from the basement, his wife is homeschooling their kindergartener Brady, and entertaining three-year old Joey. Occasionally, the boys head downstairs to see their dad.

“It’s kind of good that my students see my family,” he said. “And it gives Stacie a break for a few minutes. She’s working from home, too, although her hours have been cut back.” 

As math department chair, Novak also video conferences with colleagues once a week. 

“We regularly talk so we’re on the same page, going over what’s working and what’s not,” he said. “In school, we regularly talked with each other, so communication among us is not a big deal. Originally we thought this wouldn’t be too bad, but it is a lot of work.”

Novak said that not all students are self-motivated, but a good number are looking ahead, trying to be prepared for 2020-21. 

“Even the smartest kids don’t prefer this,” he said. “But they appreciate what we’re doing.”