SCCccchhoooools BAck IN SEssion!

     Instead of the beloved song, "School's Out," by Alice Cooper, the parents in our neighborhood were most likely singing "School's In!" Everyone is fully aware of the pandemic's impact on students and their parents, as well as their teachers. Thankfully we are fortunate to live in the tech world, allowing capabilities to connect students to their teachers via internet platforms allowing school districts to connect face to face through computer applications. However, the dynamics of this and keeping students learning and engaged is tremendously challenging. 

    The school I work at chose to return to school in phases, similar to many schools across the country. After looking at scores and student engagement our district decided our challenged learners would benefit the most from in-person learning, in the first phase. 

    Upon returning to school and reconnecting with students we have not seen since early March, the energy levels were high! Undoubtedly, we had teachers who were apprehensive as to how we could safely return. However, seeing the students, fear of the unknown immediately melted. There is no doubt, the virus is a deadly killer. I do have concerns for some of my fellow co-workers with underlying health issues, yet they come to work each day for the love of the children. Our district did offer leaves and the capability to do what they felt was best for their personal situation. Yet, we have practically all staff back in the building. Albeit, it is much different. Yet the students don't seem to notice the difference. 

    After a couple of weeks of having only special education students in school, we returned our school to full capacity. With a shortened day and no lunch at school. Minimizing the number of times students would be allowed to be unmasked. As a paraprofessional, I am a wallflower in school. I would love to share with all of you what I have observed in our school building over the past couple of weeks. 

    Above all, I have observed love., genuine love, and concern the teachers have for their students. Please, if you have a child remember to give thanks to your teachers. That is number one on my list this afternoon. They are often in close contact with students. They tie shoes, open snacks, fix masks, help with jackets and backpacks. The list is endless as to the amount these teachers do to make sure the children in school are safe, focused, fed, and above all LEARNING. The students are so blessed and the teachers will be watched over for their service. 

    I have witnessed so much good, teachers finding creative ways to help kids keep socially distanced...reminding them to use superhero arms and now in October zombie arms. The students are having fun at school and wearing masks. They are not complaining, or at least not any more than years past. 😜 Kids are resilient and take the lead of the adults they are in contact with. They are little sponges and learn from our example. I observe this first hand each day. 

    I commend those teachers I work with day to day; those teachers that work with my own children; those out in the world that put their students' needs before their own; those teachers that may be fearful, but who do what is right by their students. I am amazed by these people and I am inspired by those people who continue to have positive mindsets through the year 2020. I try to surround myself with those that can make jokes and find the good when there seems to be so much negative. We are in a time when masks conceal our smiles. However, being back in school I am reminded that while smiles are contagious, so is a positive energy aura. Children have this inherent need for laughter, silliness, and thrive off positive behaviors. It is more contagious than COVID. If you have ever been in a classroom of 1st graders you would be a witness to just how quickly a group of 6-year-olds can fall into fits of laughter. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many little positive orbs, reminding me each day, they can change the world and it starts with us adults. 💗🙏   

                                "One of the most important things we adults can do for young children 

                                    is to MODEL the kind of person we would like them to be."

                                       -Carol B. Hillman