My thoughts and observations.
Roughly seven months ago, the emergency shutdown decision to close the school buildings was made during a fearful weekend. Students would be home and teachers had to adjust their methods to accommodate fear of the virus — the China virus, the COVID virus or I think for the most part it became the COVID-19 virus. Whatever one called it, it really was the unknown virus. No one knew it’s real origin or full capabilities, only that it was deadly. Flu-like in nature only deadly. The people were instructed by the experts to “avoid.” Avoid what? Everything!!!
There were more don’ts than dos.
In one amazing instance an “official” read from a list: wash hands, 20 seconds and do it just so, wear a face covering (mask). And don’t touch your face, as she reached and licked the tip of her finger to turn a page. Overdone, yes, but it was “for your own good;” and after all else, we really don’t know what to say but “stay home.” And if you do go out, keep 6-feet distance from anyone else. Our medical experts at work, — do nothing, stay home and wash your hands!!!
Only necessary workers continue to work (like liquor store employees, ironically). Most others were designated non-essential.
But in their defense, that was all they knew at the time or were willing to admit. So we, the unknowing public, followed orders. Better safe than sorry. Finally, some order and reconstruction of the virus was determined. But still follow orders. Schools were to remain closed. Senior activities were postponed or at best, redefined. And a new expression became prominent in our verbage, “social distancing.”
Somehow, the school year ended. Did the students get what they needed? Well maybe some did or some facsimile thereof.
And now we return. To an alien environment. Arrows in the halls for direction, spaces marked off 6-feet apart and worst of all, masks! Recognize anyone, well maybe — maybe not.
Students attending in an AB schedule where some come Monday/Tuesday; others, Thursday/Friday; with Wednesday, a teacher only day, or something like that. And then other students totally online, not in physical attendance at all.
As a substitute teacher, it was even more difficult to figure things out, since we are part of the less-informed public. But after a while, things were not so difficult — wear masks and direct students to their assignments on Google Classroom with a few other “minor” adjustments.
Recognize anyone? Well maybe; after all, the masks only covers the face, not the body, hair and general build. That is for most teachers not students. Somehow they begin to all look the same by groups — male, female, tall, thin, short, etc., difficult for a sub but manageable.
Then there’s hearing, rather understanding what the students are saying. A soft-spoken student speaking through a multi-layered mask makes a muffled sound at best.
Oh, and don’t forget to continue and wear your face covering (your mask), wash your hands and by all means, social distance.
Now, some 4 months later, things have changed. The AB schedule is gone. Students now attend five days a week. Yet, mask and social distancing is still practiced the best it can be.
Still though many students are attending virtually and others are separated (I’ve heard the term “bubble”) and not attending regular classrooms.
Not quite normal, but a lot closer. Sports activities are ongoing with certain COVID adjustments there as well — masked as much as possible.
Students are flexible. They adjust as necessary and cooperate as directed. They understand the situation and simply want to “go to school,” see their friends and continue their educations.
Not the best but surely better than other places in the country which have not yet returned to the classroom.
Maybe the rest of the country could take a look at Alabaster, AL, and learn just how to do it!!!
Just Pondering…