It has been some time since I have written on this blog. There are plenty of reasons why but key among them was the idea that no one cared what I thought or said. I still doubt that anyone will really take note of my thoughts but I need to write. I need to get my ideas down or else I will pop.
I am a parent to two middle school children, grades 5 & 7, and I am an elementary educator. My children’s school has developed a hybrid plan for a return to school that seems to be a reality. I cannot imagine full face-to-face instruction before a vaccine is ready.
My school has determined that all PreK-6 grade students will return to classrooms if they wish. We will teach the students in the brick and mortar environment and in the virtual classroom at the same time. Part of me is excited for that challenge but none of me is ready to be in the classroom.
I fear for the health of my students who will come together each and every day. I fear for the health of my family as I return home from my classroom. I fear for my own health as I navigate a room full of elementary students, who on the best of days, do not practice appropriate hygiene. We do not have a cafeteria, we do not have a staffroom or bathroom, and last I knew we did not have a full time health professional.
We have some choices to make. Do my children stay home? If they do I know that they will do well academically. Though virtual learning was a slog they handled it well. My fear is in their social growth. Will they be able to continue to connect with their peers in authentic ways?
We have some choices to make. Do I stay home with my children and challenge the request to be in the classroom each day? If I do, what will happen to my students? My colleagues?
There are no right answers, just answers that are less wrong for each of us.
What If? School 