Day 5 School Closure - Coronavirus (Thoughts)

My emotions fluctuate between a feeling of "We got this!" and all the things I didn't get to complete with my class. I find out next week the plans for the remainder of our school year. The hurry up and wait for the next shoe to drop is exhausting in itself, not to mention the feeling that I need to constantly stay connected to the news and social media to know the current status of our state, country, and world. I see beautiful things happening and ugly things. I am trying to surround myself with the positive while still feeling tremendous sadness for those who are struggling and will struggle. I am not sure how to occupy my time and take my mind off of the worries and uncertainties. The worries are not just for me and my family but extend to my students, their families, and for all those including those foolish students on spring break that may come to regret their decisions.

On one hand, I feel as though if our district goes to teaching online, I am ready and my students are ready. There are many things we did during the school year that helped us prepare for this possibility. I had already started using checklists that allowed students to move at their own pace to complete the required work. When students completed that checklist, they could move on to a smaller checklist of extension activities. Our class used Seesaw to record thinking, work, and complete assignments. Between the checklists and Seesaw, I think I could easily switch to distance instruction; however, I also know that not all of my students have access to the internet and/or devices beyond a parent's cell phone.

I am going to take a moment to reflect on the things we may not get to do in our class. I wanted to grow plants with my students. We were going to some coding of music with Scratch and primary source sheet music. Students were going to teach lessons to the class and share their expertise with the class. I didn't get to finish up instruction. There are so many loose ends and materials we were going to solidify in the last quarter. I didn't get to say goodbye. My last words to my students were, "I'll see you on Monday." I have two students that never got to be STEM Star Students for the week.

At times, I am worried about the lack of leadership in our federal government, but I have a theory on this as well. In times of tragedy, I believe people will do one of two things, look to and be inspired by a great leader, or, grow as a community and tackle the problem together. I see us working together in our communities and supporting each other, finding humor where we can, and doing our part. Again, I see this as an opportunity to come together over differences to help our country as a whole and bridge the divide.

We had an awesome last day with our STEM Day celebration. I am thankful that students had an amazing day before all of these necessary restrictions came to be. I hope Idaho and our country are doing as much as possible to protect the lives of our citizens and all those who are essential to keeping our medical system and goods and services up and running. I feel bad for being sad about relatively inconsequential concerns of not being able to have time with my students when so many others are dealing with so much worse. But I do have a deep feeling of loss at times. To combat this feeling, I focus on being grateful which I truly am. I am grateful that our district did what was necessary to help our community, state, etc. I am grateful that many of us have what we need to stay at home and take care of our families. I am grateful that there are many ways to entertain ourselves during this time. I am grateful that we may appreciate the people around us and simple pleasures more once all this is over. I am grateful for my family, friends, and my animal companions. This world is a beautiful place and we need to take care of it. Below are some photos from STEM Day to focus a little more on the positive.

Day 4 School Closure - Coronavirus

I didn't really have anything to post for today. There are so many uncertainties for the remainder of the school year and what COVID-19 means for us. I hope we flatten the curve. In the meantime, I continue my daily read aloud for my students.

Day 3 School Closure - Coronavirus

I have been continuing my daily read aloud and am almost through my first book. I'll need another book by Friday. Read aloud is a nice bit of normalcy for me with all the uncertainties. It makes me have to do my hair and prepare myself similar to a work day even though my dress is more casual than a work day.

Day 2 School Closure - Coronavirus

I am working to maintain some type of routine this week since I still need to finish 3rd quarter report cards and complete some applications by their due dates. I am trying something to offer my students a bit of normalcy. My students have always enjoyed read aloud. I read aloud during our normal time via my class Instagram page. Then I shared a recording via email and the Seesaw app. I wanted to try and reach all my students in case any of them were interested. Perhaps they are just celebrating an early spring break, but just in case they are picking up on the odd vibe and stress, I wanted to give them the idea that we can do this. It felt odd reading by myself on my porch. I was a little nervous about doing the recording, but it will get easier. I wasn't sure if any students had watched. I noticed some people watching during the live session. I was so nervous that I didn't pay attention to that. Today, I will pay attention to those that may be watching live and say hello. I received a wonderful email yesterday evening from a parent thanking me for doing this. Based on the email, I think it provided the experience I was hoping for with her student. This is a challenging time; however, we are very lucky to have the resources we do to still connect. I am ready and excited for today's read aloud. We got this!

Day 1 School Closure - Coronavirus

Today is an odd day, but it's simply a weird time. This was supposed to be our last week before Spring Break. I had plans to record my video for my PAEMST application and wrap up various oose ends for projects. I never really expected that we wouldn't have school this week. I knew the coronavirus was a serious issue, but have never lived during a time like this. I completely support the closure of schools to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus. I worry about my students and their families and have never experienced so many uncertainties. It doesn't look like my students will be able to compete in robotics. Nevertheless, I want to help my students to adjust to these changes. My spring break doesn't start until next week and I have a couple of ideas on how to connect digitally with students if they choose to. I have also been thinking about the possibilities after Spring Break if the closure continues. I will continue to look for the positives and the "helpers." I will do my best to do my part and keep an uplifting attitude. I am going to try doing read aloud live on Instagram for a little treat for my students. I also am going to take the time to share aspects of my home in rural Idaho with them. I just want them to know it's OK.