Return to School and DQ

 

         Breaking News! I can’t believe that Dairy Queen is canceling its annual Free Cone Day! The long lines could spread COVID-19. It is another sign of the times. Today I will be standing in a long line to get my second Covid vaccine, instead of a DQ cone. I also returned to school this week to prepare for the Hybrid Model next week.

The time has come to reopen the school doors to K-3 students in my school district. What is the Hybrid Model? It is a gradual return to school with ten students socially distanced in the classroom while the rest of the class is watching from home. Less than ten students will be sitting two to a table with plexiglass barriers around each of them and the teacher. Hand gel and masks will be provided to all staff. There will be a special isolated sick room for students. The school nurses will be given a $3000 bonus. No temperatures will be taken as students enter the school. Masks are required at all times, except for lunch in the cafeteria. Teachers will remain in their classroom all day and eat lunch there too. Specialists will come to their classrooms for lessons. Wednesdays are deep cleaning at school with everyone at home learning virtually.

Parents are worried that test scores are slipping and Kindergarteners aren’t learning to read at home. Teachers are worried too. Students are learning unique skills in the pandemic such as virtual school, independent learning, and taking time to explore the world around them. What are the social distance protocols at school next week? Parents will drop off their children at the school gate and wait in line at the front office door if they have further questions. One parent will be allowed to go to the office at a time. Portable classroom doors must remain closed at all times. All Special classes will continue to be virtual. Students must social distance six feet apart at all times standing on floor markers in the hallway. It will be a unique Monday. We will focus on students and their safety. After the first day, I think I deserve a DQ ice cream cone dipped in cherry for comfort.