Back To School: In-person Learning
Hello, World!
Summer may not officially be over until the end of September, but school has already begun for some parents like myself. This school year is like no other; with the added pressure of Covid and the new strain Delta Variant, so many questions and thoughts ran through my mind while I prepared for in-person learning this year. Are the kids going to be ok with wearing a mask for more than six hours? I was also worried that they would not wear them correctly throughout the day. One of my biggest concerns was their mental well-being and adjusting to the new norm after being home for more than a year? And I am sure many of you may have some of the same concerns for the new school year. It is our job as parents to take care of our kids and make the best decisions possible to protect them, but it is also essential to take care of ourselves in the process.
My anxiety was on an all-time high, along with constant migraines the week leading up to school reopening. After a well-check visit with my physician and a session with my therapist, I refocused my thoughts in a more positive light and felt less anxious about my decision. My kids have proven how resilient they are; as both boys walked into their new classrooms assured of themselves, I felt a sense of ease. They saw many friends from last school year and fell right back as though nothing had changed. As I cried as each one walked towards their future, I felt a glimmer of hope that things would get better; they have to because our kids deserve so much more.
Aiden has displayed so much growth and maturity heading into middle school. I watch him in awe as he packs his stuff and gets dressed for school. Looking back, I think it was all my insecurities about him not fitting in and finding his voice because he has more of a shy personality. In the first week of being back, he has already proven me wrong. His teacher assigned him to be snack captain for the week, and he took his job seriously. At the end of each school day, he would eagerly share the accomplishment of his day with us. On the first day as snack captain, he took three minutes to give out snacks to everyone, but by the third day, he was so proud of himself for getting it done in one minute. Can get some virtual cheers!!!!!!. I am so proud of him and happy that his teacher assigned him this task. It is helping him improve on his urgency and boosting his self-confidence. He signed up for chess as his first choice for electives (not a shocker); he is good at it and is also enjoying his first ELA read of the school year, “The Watsons go to Birmingham. Three of his friends from elementary school are in his class, and he sees other familiar faces around the school. Let’s say middle school is off to a great start!
Tyler's competitive side has already begun; everyone says he gets it from me, but I beg to differ; he couldn’t wait to share that he was the first to complete 24 math facts addition and subtraction in under a minute. The teacher gave him a prize for his hard work, and he also loves all of his new books. His assistant teacher from last year is his lead teacher this year. We are both happy because we’ve already established a beautiful relationship with her. Even though he didn’t get to be in the same class with one of his best buddies this year, he has other classmates from last year that he can finally see face to face.
All opinions in this post are my own!
The kids’ school has some excellent protocols that I am comfortable with: Lunch is eaten at their desks, and shields are placed to help protect them while they eat because that is the only time their masks are allowed to be off. Temperatures are taken upon arrival, and masks are required for both adults and kids to drop off and pick up. Parents also have to fill out a health screening form daily via the parent square app. The kids are using little or no paper materials. They’re utilizing the chrome books that the school provided during remote learning. I am happy with using fewer paper materials because it ensures limited contact among everyone; this also means more screen time for the kids.
We completed our first week of school, and I couldn’t be happier with our decision to send the boys back on campus. I know we live in unprecedented times, and I am learning that my concerns are valid and learning to let go of things I cannot control. Parents are real-life superheroes, and I have yet to figure out where we get our strength from.
In-person learning tips for parents
Be confident in your decision and do what’s best for your family.
Trust your children to know that they will do what you instill them them
Have virtual meetings with teachers to keep your mind at ease
Pack extra masks in bag pack
16 oz water canteen to carry to school
Pack extra hand sanitizer and wipes in bag pack
Make sure you are up to date with vaccines and physical forms
Daily vitamins for the whole family
Sleep
Clean Chromebooks and other devices daily with alcohol wipes.
Are your kids back to schools? share your thoughts and concerns in the comment.