Return to School?

    

    Why are younger children returning to school first? It seems to be an economic-based decision. The fact is that parents need to return to work and they can’t leave their children home alone. So schools will begin to open with Grades K-3. Older students will stay at home alone and continue to attend school virtually. Teens are suffering from mental health issues and during this difficult time, but they can’t return to school yet. Districts are also canceling school sports which upsets many families. There were demonstrations at the Michigan State Capital Building yesterday to bring back school sports. How can children play sports now with all the COVID germs? Look at all the recent college basketball teams that are now in quarantine. 

Another factor for schools reopening is teacher vaccinations. Two vaccinations are required, but they want to open schools before that happens. Did you read about the teacher dying of COVID in the hospital? His final call to his wife was to confirm that he had a substitute teacher the next day. I still remember walking into a restaurant in Iowa seven months ago. My husband and I both wore masks, but no one else did. The diners stared at us like we were aliens. Look what has happened since then!

My school district is supplying face shields, face masks, and hand gel to returning teachers. They are considering a hybrid model with students online and with small groups at school. Teachers would instruct students virtually and in person at the same time. One of the teachers asked if she could prop open the door to her portable classroom for extra ventilation. The answer is no because it is too dangerous. Police have chased criminals across the playground before. Another teacher tutors after school at the local library behind plexiglass. She deserves a gold medal!

I am a newcomer and have never met a teacher or student iat my school in person yet. I taught Saturday School Camp virtually today with Kindergartners for four hours, I have virtual reading groups on line with students I have never met. On Friday, I covered for a fifth-grade class for a short time. One of the students warned me, “Stay inside. Don’t go too far from home. Wear a mask.” I thanked him and told him that I care about him too. That is what this is all about. Kindness, connection, and hope for the future. It lies in the hands of a generation that is growing up in uncharted territory.