SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s a scene playing out in homes across Central Florida — living spaces transformed into classrooms.  

Susan Tolksdorf’s two daughters are Seminole County Public Schools students and have been distance learning for several weeks.

“Very overwhelming at first, just learning it, understanding how it works,” Tolksdorf said.   

She works full time as an executive assistant and now she’s added another title — teacher.

“There was a lot of fear. It was definitely challenging,” said Tolksdorf.

Quickly turning to distance learning has been challenging for everyone, including teachers and school administrators, but they might have to keep doing it.  

Michael Lawrence is communications officer for the Seminole County Public Schools.

“We’re preparing if we have to continue our current distance learning model if schools can’t be reopened,” said Lawrence.  

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to the coronavirus crisis, and school officials are considering all of them.  

If distance learning continues, district leaders say they will have the time to make improvements to the process, which has been difficult and frustrating for some parents and students.  

“As we continue to move forward, we’re going to continue to adapt and improve, so we can hopefully avoid some of those things, challenges that we had the beginning,” Lawrence said.

If students go back to the classroom, the district is looking at a more rigorous cleaning routine, more spacing between desks and other safety procedures, which could include masks.

“We want to have as many options as possible as we approach the next school year,” Lawrence said.

Another option for students is the Seminole County virtual school. Kindergarten through 12th grade students can enroll in classes.  

Tolksdorf said distancing learning is easier from when they first started, but worries, knowing it could continue in the fall.  

“I can understand from a public health aspect why it could be a possibility. As a working parent, it gives me a little bit of angst to think about that and how we would have to juggle that,” said Tolksdorf.

Seminole County school district officials encourage parents to contact school administrators if they have any problems or concerns with distance learning.  

Last day of school is May 27.