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Here we are, the final week of August 2020. This week there have been districts that have already started the school year.
It comes with no surprise that this school year will be different for all. Some families will have one child starting their week by hoping on the school bus. Children in this scenario will most likely be wearing masks in their classroom, mingling with classmates at a safe distance and not being able to get together for lunch in the cafeteria. Meanwhile another child will be making 30 or so steps to their desk to start their school year online. It may be the best thing for a student, protecting themselves from a novel virus, or it may be the worst as conducting studies from home may be more harmful for them both physically and mentally.
Not only does this school year impact students, it also impacts parents. Parents have also had to make some tough decisions as the summer quickly came and went. Some parents have decided to have their students do their studies online because they have the means to do so, due to their jobs allowing them the option to work from home. Some parent's work lives haven't changed and have had to continue going to work while their kids continue on as their education flow changes. Parents have had to struggle with which option to go with, as there may be worry on how that decision will seem to others. No matter what, they know their children and what decision needs to be made in the end.
And of course, this school year definitely impacts teachers. Teachers develop a bond with their students that is hard to describe. It was a major heartbreak, having to say goodbye to their students abruptly last year and having to change their curriculum in such a short amount of time. Without warning, and without knowing what the future may be. Teachers would love nothing more than to see the kids that they teach, as many have said the children also teach them. Some teachers may not feel safe walking into the building and would rather teach all online, some may feel perfectly fine with having face to face sessions. Some teachers may feel a little bit of both. All scenarios are perfectly valid.
I know these are only samples of examples that could happen, but no matter where someone is in each scenario, please take this learning lesson with you into the school year. Lead into the school year with kindness, do not shame someone because you may not agree with them and offer support. We are all learning this together, and learning it the best way we can. Positive vibes to all of our teachers, student's and parents during this coming school year and the remainder of our lives.