Playing in the Same Sandbox
Tensions rose this week with the release of Putnam City’s Return to Learn plan. I am certain that no matter what it said, there would be more questions, concerns, and frustrations from all sides. It is a framework more than a blueprint, and it has to be. The situation is so fluid who knows where we’ll be in 5 weeks when school actually does start?
But the questions are still there. Keeping us up at night. Putting us in fear for our children’s safety, and our own. I know several of our teachers are ready to get back to work in their classrooms with their students and are not so worried about wearing masks. I know others are terrified of getting the virus from a student or colleague and bringing it home to their families.
Then I think about how the changes required in the plan will affect the daily classroom activities. I see teachers constantly reminding students to put their masks back on and reminding students to stay apart from each other when they can. It will be palpably different for sure.
Our students need their teachers. They need their friends and the social learning that comes from being in groups. The mental health effects of COVID play havoc on all of us, including our children. But they also need to be healthy, and we need our teachers to stay healthy, or we won’t be able to have school at all.
What I hope we remember before lashing out at someone who feels differently about the plan is that we are all on the same team. We’re all in the same sandbox. We all want what is best for children, though we may not agree on what that best is. Our intentions are good. Our hearts are in the right place.
Let’s give each other some grace as we navigate a very challenging time for everyone.
Posted by Jennifer Seal
July 16, 2020