Decisions for the New School Year

Like so many other families we are struggling with the decision of what to do this fall. Parents and teachers across the US are facing fears and uncertainty of what the upcoming school year will bring.

Our oldest will be starting Kindergarten this fall. A few weeks ago we were sent a letter giving a deadline to decide what kind of learning we would choose for our child.

The options were either 100% distance learning or a hybrid version. The hybrid version meant 2 days of in person learning each week. The other days of the week would be spent solo working on projects or homework I assume.

The 100% online version would mean 4 days of online school. No matter which version you choose it would be a 4 day work week. One day each week would be saved for teacher preparation, and possibly more assignments or homework.

My husband and I discussed our options for several days. I felt, and honestly still feel, that she would do better with in person learning. She responds very well to teachers and tends to learn from them much better. But she would only have 2 days of school each week. The other 3 days would be more like home schooling as we were told they wouldn’t be able to join in with the online classes the other 2 days.

So then I wondered if 4 days of face to face time with the teacher would be better. Even if it is through a computer. She had a small amount of experience with this when her preschool closed in the fall and she did a pretty good job of still following directions.

We ultimately decided to go with distance learning. My schedule leaves me home multiple days of the week as I also work weekends. And my husbands job has informed them they will not be returning to the office until at least January. So it seemed like the best option for us.

I also thought it might leave the desks open for students or parents who need in person learning more than my own daughter. I know students with special needs rely on extra help and instructions provided by the schools. And single parents or low income families may not have the luxury of a nanny or baby sitter to supervise their children online classes while they work.

But I also know that on the other side of the equation are the teachers. Many of whom may be at higher risk for serious infection or have family members who have compromised immune systems.

I completely understand this fear and frustration that they are feeling. Prior to our clinic going curbside I began wearing a mask during appointments as I felt immense anxiety being in a small exam room with multiple clients throughout the day. I even contemplated stepping away from veterinary medicine for a while to keep my family safe.

Now we do not allow clients in to the clinic at all except for some very specific circumstances. I can’t imagine any other time where it would be appropriate or accepted for us to refuse entry to clients and take their pets away from them. But it’s been happening across the country. Everyday reluctant owners are handing their pets over to us for exams and treatments without their presence.

So I can appreciate that teachers would also prefer to take a different approach that allows them to teach, while also staying safe.

Ultimately our school board has decided to stay 100% online for the start of the school year, so the decision was made for us. We are lucky that our jobs are flexible enough to be able to monitor her online work while still working full time. But I am sad that she will not have a normal Kindergarten year.

The decision for our oldest daughter was made for us, but we still have to decide what to do with her little sister. She is currently enrolled to start preschool in the fall. I am struggling with the decision to keep her home where she is safe versus sending her to school. The truth is, with us both working and trying to monitor online learning, we would not be able to teach or play with her as much as she deserves.

This is just to say that there are no great answers. We are all just trying to make the best decisions for ourselves, our families and our communities.

I know whatever decision other parents make is with the best interest of their children in mind. I do not think yelling or judging others will help the situation. I am prepared to work with my daughters new teachers to make these transitions easier.

If you are a single parent, a family with parents who work outside the home, or trying to get your children the extra attention that comes from in person school I understand. There is no right decision, just the best one for your circumstances.

This virus isn’t going away any time soon so lets all just try to work together to get through this difficult time. Remember that every families situation is different so what is best for you may be impossible for them. And above all else let’s set good examples for our children. Be kind to others, even if new rules or regulations are inconvenient.

I hope you all stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.