As students filed out toward the buses Monday afternoon at Roosevelt Elementary School, it felt like spring break.

The sun was out, warming the faces of parents as they stood at the entrance on 14th Avenue and waited.

However, this was no run-of-the-mill vacation. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak and the statewide school closure ordered last week by Gov. Jay Inslee, this promised to be the longest spring break in history.

For the kids at Roosevelt, it began at 3 p.m., though about half the students didn’t show up at all. Those who did left with bulging packets of paper lesson plans and best wishes for the next six weeks.

For Principal Matthew Henshaw and his staff, Monday was about offering moral support during unprecedented times – at Roosevelt and the other buildings in Spokane Public Schools, the region and the state.

“We’re taking it one day at a time, and supporting students not only academically but socio-economically,” Henshaw said. “For many of our kids, spring break is a tough time because it’s not as structured.”

But in another departure from the norm, school is out indefinitely. Classes may resume on April 27 – or they may not, depending on the success of efforts to slow or stop the spread of the coronavirus.

For many students that means even more anxiety. Henshaw and his staff are ready to help – a message conveyed by administrators across the state.

Speaking to families, Henshaw said to “Keep in mind that you’re not alone in this.”

Almost on cue, several teachers walked out with their students; some urged parents to stay in touch.

Some parents were confident.

Patrick Klemp said he would treat the break like any normal day after school. His sixth-grade daughter can expect him to “be tough.”

Another parent, Ashley Byrne, has a kindergartner at Roosevelt. She’s also a teacher at Mt. Spokane High School, and plans to work remotely.

“I hope to be able to teach as best I can,” Byrne said.

Academically, the biggest challenge will be to offer an equitable learning experience for all students, regardless of their access to laptops and internet access.

“It’s similar to summer,” Henshaw said. “We are working with community partners to determine what actually is possible for everyone.”

The district is attempting to address that shortage by checking out laptops to families.

One laptop will be available per student, and up to two per family. The laptops require home internet.