You all are quite fabulous! You know that, right?
Helena, our approved calendar has staff returning on August 26th and students on the 31st. Those dates may not hold and we are still unsure of if we will go back into the classrooms for 100% of the time, or if we will adopt a hybrid model. Oh my, you are the sweetest and I will happily envision us all in a pink bubble of healthy light.
Minaminu, yes, children are resilient and eager to learn. Every day will bring new challenges, but also opportunities.
Carla, no matter what models we use or need to move to, the partnership between parents and staff will be more important than ever. My parents last year were amazing and we made great teams for the children. The second grade teachers are inheriting a fabulous group of families.
Robin F, I am glad my own children are grown. I can only begin to imagine the challenge of trying to teach and raise children right now. My DIL is doing that and she is a rock star. However, even the Rock Stars feel the stress.
Thank you, unfrumped. We are truly in this together and we will lift each other up, whenever any of us, children, families or staff need a boost.
Janet, yup. Shopping is just not the same. I am looking forward to the next big sister shop, no matter how far into the future that is. Ugh. Politics do not always play nicely with education. We are so fortunate to have an administrative team that is following the science and making decisions based upon many factors.
Thank you, Angie. I am going to find a way to bring happiness, comfort, security and faith to work every day. My classroom will be vastly different this year, but I can still create a warm, welcoming and safe setting for my children to learn in.
Joy! Your idea to have the children sign and decorate a lab coat is FAB-TASTIC! I am so excited to do this! I did not want a white lab coat.....afraid I might look too medical in it, but you have changed my mind! I understand why your DDIL and subs are considering not returning to the classroom. It is still so unclear how many staff may choose to leave the profession, retire early, take a leave of absence. What happens if staff members become ill or need to quarantine due to possible exposure? Who will be teaching?
JAileen, I know every educator and administrator is working hard to figure things out and to plan for safe educational scenarios. There is certainly no lack of effort. Sadly, I think that whatever scenarios we begin with will shift throughout the year. I keep wondering if the start of the school year will be delayed, depending upon surges.