“So, I was talking with Sue because she seems to KNOW things, you know? And she had numbers on the cyber academy. Do you know Sue?
“Yes, I do know Sue. You are right, she does seem to KNOW things. What did she say?”
I wasn’t eavesdropping. I just so happened to be sitting on the pools edge with Declan to help him calmly get through adult swim, his least favorite time at the pool.
“Mom, do you want to hear why Mario 64 is the best Mario?”
“Shhhh. You can tell me in just a second.”
Okay. MAYBE I was eavesdropping.
“Well, SUE said that there are 900 students in the district’s elementary schools interested in the cyber academy with 100 of them coming from our elementary school. So, that helps.”
“Yeah, it sure does. I wonder….”
Although the first woman was wearing sunglasses, I began to get the distinct impression she was watching me listening to them.
“So, why is Mario 64 the best Mario, Declan?” I asked turning my attention to my little “patiently waiting to swim again” swimmer.
“Well, Mario 64 is the best Mario because….,” and off he went. Taking me through the world of gaming and away from the idea of online learning in the fall.
Lately there have been a ton of funny videos about the kids returning to school. The videos are made by teachers highlighting their firsthand knowledge of possible scenarios that are easy to see actually happening.
Having listened to both of my older kids yell “COVID!” or “I’VE GOT THE CORONAVIRUS” while coughing all over each other, I am fully prepared for a call from the principal come back to school time.
If there is a back to school time.
About a month ago each family in our district received an email asking us to take a survey, separately, for each of our children.
The survey wanted to know:
- IF schools reopened would we send our kids or did we want to have our children join the cyber academy and learn relatively independently, online at home. This would require access to the internet, a computer, while a lot of the assignments and materials would be mailed to the learner each week.
- If we were willing to send our kids back to school, would the kids comply with all day mask wearing, staying 6 feet away from peers and learning in a possibly enclosed/shielded area.
- If schools reopened would we be sending the child by bus, or by dropping them off
- If schools reopened, would we be willing to have our children go on an alternate day like schedule.
Bobby and Catelyn chose the “back to school” option. Cue impending calls from their principals.
Declan did not want to go back to school under these circumstances. He was concerned that he could not be near his friends. How was he supposed to make any new friends, or talk with any of his friends, if he couldn’t be near them? So, he wanted to stay home.
When I thought of the things that Declan needs support with to learn, I realized I alone am ill-equipped. One of Declan’s significant obstacles is that he does not have hand strength. To complete writing assignments, he needs help from his teacher, his 1/1 aid, and his occupational therapist will come into the classroom. If Declan is asked to write anything more than two sentences, he has already given up and reacts. He cannot fit what is asked for him to write in the space or lines provided. Come test time Declan has a scribe, so he is not failing because of this weakness, he just needs A LOT of support.
My brief experience with online learning with Declan this past Spring was largely unsuccessful when it came to writing assignments as well. It was easier for Declan to tell “teacher mom,” no, he would not do the writing, than for him telling his aid, OT and teacher.
He needs support. More than I alone can give. So, I agreed to the conditions for going back to school for him as well. If they are only going every other day, or every third day, I am sure there will be a lot of “at home” work to complete anyway.
This next step has so many different concerns and needs to it. I feel bad for teachers who are being forced back into the classroom that have their concerns. Teachers already have to pay for a lot of their classroom supplies out of pocket and now will have to add gallons of cleaning supplies to their own lists. I read schools are being forced to open for fear of losing government funding. Parents who will have to navigate this while working full time. Parents who are immunocompromised. Families who do not have access to the internet or a computer. Students who are afraid but have no other options.
There are so many things that need to be considered on every level and for every person involved. It will be interesting to see how this upcoming school year unfolds.
1:15 ADD ON
From a Facebook parent site:
Loved the first video. I am so thankful that Isobelle has got into a small college with only 38 students. 2 to 3 to a class, and she will have her own t/a for the first term.
That sounds perfect!
I know you understand that even this is a challenge for her
I’ve spoken to several teacher friends who have told me that in our area, districts seem to be leaning into the reporting that the virus doesn’t affect kids as severely as adults, as well as concerns about child care, and are therefore not talking much about social distancing, class sizes, etc. One of my friends said that she has yet to hear any substantive conversations about teacher safety. Of course I have very limited information, but I am hoping that our local school districts (and districts nationwide) are thinking about all the factors involved in their decision making.
Me too! I had heard the same about kids not really being affected by the virus as much as adults, which is good. I was just wondering about them being asymptomatic carriers and not even realizing it. And then to whom are they carrying the virus home to? There are so many people to consider, teachers especially!
The big argument for closing schools was that they might carry virus home to more susceptible family members. Now that topic seems to have been dropped, which worries me. Heck, I live across the street from an elementary school and while I fully understand reasons for reopening schools, the thought of that many germies just outside my door freaks me out! I can’t imagine the fear teachers must feel!
Thanks for this post. It is a concern of every parent and student as to what is going to happen to our educational system. Is it going to reopen and how? The on line schooling during the lockdown in my district personally was not product. One hour for everything a day scares me, what are students learning? And yes, they do need some social interaction. There has to be a way to bring them back to school even just a few days even with a lockdown because COVID will be here till Winter.
Online learning was not productive for us either. It was a “git-r-done” kind of semester. Which makes nervous about online learning in the fall. My kids are not very good independent learners. They do well in a structured classroom. And the social interaction piece is why I think my older kids are “definitely yes” for going back to school. They will take whatever kind of interaction they can at this point!
Us too. Between now and next school year, we try our best our kids can go back to classroom learning . Take care.
You too!
What a nightmare for everyone. I read that kids in Japan aren’t allowed to talk to each other, not even at lunch.
Bus windows open in winter?
I don’t see how they’ll be able to keep kids from removing masks or, like yours, playing coughing games… esp on the busses (kids don’t respect the drivers).
I’m thankful I only have to worry about my cats!
I thought the same thing! Windows open on the bus too – in the rain? In the cold? Is that really better?
Kids will be kids and there is always at least one class clown, or the kid that doesn’t care. On busses – gosh, yeah! There’s a lot of mayhem there. It is a lot to think about!
I had to click through to www view to see the vids. They are dead on!!!
Oh good! I always get nervous posting videos in case they don’t come through. These two had me laughing, but also I realized how accurate they were!
This is worrying me too, Robyn. I’m really hoping that over here the schools can go back to normal in September, as this whole episode has truly messed Nathan up. He hasn’t been in school since the middle of March, so like so many others he’s missed out on nearly a year of his education and support. What we all need is a good dose of normality, our special needs kids especially so.
Me too. I would definitely like some normal back again. The kids especially need it!
I think that Ben’s school knows that kids wearing masks isnt going to happen. Ben needs his Speech and his OT teachers as well as his educational instruction. Like Declan, it’s a lot easier to tell me no. Being AT school is a different mindset for kids. Especially schools like Ben’s. They do SO much more than just education.
There’s new info about the virus all the time. Whatever Ben had recently, it kicked his butt! He was moaning in his sleep and he has a ridiculously high pain threshold. It makes me wonder if it WAS the kootie. Kids dont always get the cough. It was rough, but I was never in fear for his life or felt like a doctor could do anymore than we were doing.
I think teachers should be given the option of doing remote or in-class just like parents are given the choice with their kids. We all have to work together and be understanding of acceptable risk levels. Start slow and carefully, build up to more class time if appropriate.
For me, personally, I’d like some alone time😉 and I think Ben would like to see someone else’s face beside me, his mother and occasionally his Auntie.🤣🤣
🤞🍀💌
They really do so much more than education, I agree. And Declan is the same. He will do so much more for them than he will for me.
I was wondering what Ben had as well. He was definitely not feeling right. And I gauge my response the same way – would a doctor be able to do anything more? I am glad he is feeling better now!
I completely agree. I was reading the survey results from a local school district, and I think it was great the district surveyed the parents, the teachers, the HS students and the MS students. The responses were strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree. It appeared to me that the students wanted to go back to school, but only half wanted to wear masks. The teachers were 50/50 about in school or online learning. Parents were 50/50 depending on what safety precautions the school was going to offer. I think that is a good idea though – start slow and build up, or down as needed.
I know Declan would love to see a peer. With these rules, I don’t know how close he will be able to get to someone – they are even talking no recess and lunch in the classroom. Who knows? Everything changes so fast anymore but hopefully he will get to have some interaction – even if it is telling funny jokes to each other over a divider. It’s something!
It’s such a tough call. No right answer. I would be happier if our two governments were honest with parents, kids and teachers. So they can make an educated decision. My son will be making the call in September. He’s the one accepting the risk. I’m less worried about support for son as he was getting nothing anyway. But if good support is in place then that’s hard to turn your back on.
It is such a tough call. I can imagine every family has a different reason behind their choice. This is not a black and white situation and one size does not fit all. I would imagine the schools are going to have to have a high degree of flexibility this next school year. At least, I really hope they do!
You were definitely eavesdropping! 😂😂😂 Wear a big hat and sunglasses next time. 🤣 But good thing you did, cuz that’s very good intel you got there.
I think every parent will face the back to school questions differently and it’s a hard one. Personally, I agree with your decision. Kids need to be around their peers and the supports they need.
Here’s a report Sick Kids Hospital in my part of the world released recently that recommends kids go back to school this fall.
https://www.sickkids.ca/PDFs/About-SickKids/81407-COVID19-Recommendations-for-School-Reopening-SickKids.pdf
I realize you are in a different part of the world but I can imagine this being relevant.
Good luck getting D supports to practice handwriting. I have the same challenges with T. You may know this already – but a tip his SNA suggested is to get him to play the penny pinching game. Put a bunch of coins on the table and get him to pick them up and squeeze them one by one. Supposed to help build fine motor skills and grip strength.
Best wishes with your summer break and keep enjoying that pool. We had our first swim today and it was glorious!
Happy 4th of July too!
Haha! I was, I know! I practically fell off the side I was trying so hard to listen to what Sue had to say 🙂 I had a baseball cap on – I need to go bigger!
Thanks! I’ll check it out! And for the game idea – anything will help. The next thing they are talking about is just moving him to electronics since most communication now is through a keyboard but I would like for him to keep working on and strengthening this important skill.
Thank you!!
Good luck with the handwriting practice. With you as his coach, I know he will make great gains!
I shard the first video with my daughter. Our Grandson is going into grade 1. She also has two step daughters 9 and 11. My daughter has a full time job which has been only 3 days a week over the summer as she is the marketing manager for a pro hockey team and their season was cancelled due to Covid. But she has managed with home schooling in the mornings. She said she just does not know how school will work for the young kids. I hope you will keep us updated on how it goes for your kids and especially Declan .
Thank you! I will! I am anxious to hear how it goes for everyone else too because I am sure the response or course of action will be different depending on each person’s area. We are close to Philadelphia. My husband works downtown, although he is still working out of the home and not supposed to go back to the office until, at least, October. I feel like everyone is taking it day by day to figure out what to do next. Everything is so up in the air!
If there is no in-person school in Sept., I am considering homeschooling. Not crisis school online… but on our own schedule. We struggled so much with online learning – not only because she doesn’t learn that way, but also because I was trying to support ALL the work (digital literacy, phys ed, etc.) – not just the basic subjects. (Nats even had to learn and record herself singing Seasons of Love from Rent for her Chorus grade.) Homeschooling would allow us to go at a slower pace and focus on her needs. We can still get therapies from our district if we homeschool. I just don’t think I can do the online again. It was more about checking the box to get everything done the teachers wanted rather than about her learning – so everyone’s anxiety was high. Very tough decisions ahead.
Same! At one point Catelyn was making playdough out of flour to meet an assignment for Art. Like we needed that. I did see some information about the schools, or I guess the course teachers, doing synchronous classes that students will have to “show up” for online which would be something I would definitely approve of if the kids were home. But overall, I agree, something has to change because my kids were doing the same. Just checking off boxes and not learning anything.
How does Sue know these things. Every school has their Sues. Is it just because they are busy-bodies and always poking into everyone’s business, or are they identified by the administration as loud-mouths and therefore used as a method to disseminate information? When my kids were very young, we had a Sue who always looked put together in a very preppy way. Then one day, she was head to toe leather and her purse has a leather confederate flag stitched into it. I always wondered what happened to her.
I got the impression Sue worked for the school, but you’re right. Who knows if what Sue knows is true. The downfall of not having any friends is not being able to spitball my thoughts and feelings about sending my kids back, especially one with an IEP. That was the first I had heard anyone talking about it and the cyber academy in particular. Which again, wouldn’t be official homeschooling if they are providing the material. It will be interesting to see the final outcome. All of the kids summer sports leagues are canceled. I know they are concerned about their fall sports too. Everything is in the same spot: “We’ll see!”
I don’t think Gettysburg’s plans are as well formulated yet. I really don’t want Eli remote learning. He did much better in the school setting. Re: sports… the mountain biking league is starting today – middle and high school. Not sure if either of your kids might like that. Of course, if things continue how they’re heading, everything is going to shut down again and I’ll likely lose our season fee (which wasn’t cheap).
My kids do much better in the structure of a school setting as well. Remote learning for us was just checking off the boxes – little actual effort was put forth. I think that originated from our elementary school not giving homework. The teachers gave the kids ample time to get their extra work done during school hours so that when they are home they can “just be kids.” The problem is that when we went to online learning they didn’t want to put school time in at home. They wanted to “just be kids.” That is a post for another day though. Good luck on the mountain biking! That is probably a perfect sport being outside and all. We lost a lot of money on spring sports as well. After that we backed out of our summer vacation to ensure we would get a full refund, which we did. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I guess) the stupid dog’s surgery took all that money up.
Robyn, I’m your friend.
Thanks, Jeff! I enjoy being friends with you 🙂
Cases in India are climbing and most likely, schools here won’t open except online this academic year (our year goes June – March). It has been crazy teaching online. One kid homeschooled already but homeschooling was never an anti-social affair here, he can’t do his sports classes and that comes with so much else in terms of issues. One online school is going well – daughter misses her friends, this is her last year in school but says she is getting more done in terms of work. Online school isn’t bad, it isn’t possible many times without parents’ support for kids with difficulties, needing physical interaction. Then there are those who can’t get online: no bandwidth, no computers, no network for bandwidth to even be a factor…this pandemic had showed us what our systems really were in the first place!
I think that is a huge factor – parent involvement. My kids aren’t self-starters and Declan needs someone with him to do his work. My older kids want no part of homeschooling, in general. They want to be at school with their friends. I agree – this pandemic really was an eye opener for how our systems were operating!
“I’m sorry for eavesdropping but I was leaning in and listening”
It’s a tough decision to make. My grandnephew (he lives with my mom) is going kind of nuts without school. A seventy-five year old woman is fine company for an adult, but kids need to be with other kids.
On the other hand, Covid 19 has a five percent mortality rate. So, you’ve got the rock and the hard place…
I know – I practically fell off the side of the pool to be able to hear what they were saying. I really wanted to hear more about this Sue lady 🙂
It is. I am getting the gist that the kids want to go back to see their friends and get back to normal. Which makes sense. Teacher and parents, I guess so if the conditions are right. It’ll be interesting to see what happens!
I am so glad I am retired right now!! The fall will be very complicated for kids, parents, and teachers. Having spent twenty plus years in primary education, I know those little ones need hugs and hands on. I don’t envy you for the emotional struggle of making these choices.
I keep wondering what I, as a retired educator with a compromised immune system, can do. E-tutoring probably just adds to the family burden.
I’ve wondered if there might be some way I can adopt a family as their home school teacher, showing up at one house and teaching three siblings. Or how safe I would feel doing even that.
This is such a strange time. I feel they are going to start school up in person. But I don’t know how. It will be interesting to see!
Well to be honest, I really think schools should be remain closed at least whole 2020. The pandemic is getting bigger by each passing day and I seriously don’t want to risk my kids life.
Yes, it’s a tough call. If they do remain closed I would like for learning to take place with a teacher teaching to their class virtually the same time they would be teaching if they were in school. There needs to be more accountability, especially for my middle school and high schooler.
Such a stressful time for parents! Remote learning as it was practiced in the spring was awful! And we only had to deal with one day a week of it–we feel for parents who were just thrown into the inferno!
We’ve been doing a hybrid for years in order to better meet our son’s needs academically (we don’t have to fight for accommodations when we are the ones providing them!) We do full homeschooling for most subjects (on our terms, using our preferred curricula) and one day a week at school for things that are nice to have someone else do (science, art, PE, etc). We were shocked when they just sent us a list of what we were supposed to do at home. It just doesn’t work that way! We’re guessing a lot of parents are going to be checking out true homeschooling as a better option than that!