How We Closed
Friday we received an email that we would have a staff meeting to discuss all that was going on. I can only assume that the meeting would of been for us to discuss how we would prep and support our scholars. But we never had that opportunity. During our dismissal Governor Wolf announced that all PA schools would close for two weeks beginning on Monday. During dismissal = we didn't get to say goodbye.Before the announcement came out I was purposefully in the hallway to give weekend hugs to the kids I could see on their way to the bus. I missed them. I wasn't with them for two days. And they missed me, because they came running for hugs or even back for another hug.
How I Am Coping
Well, probably not well is the reality. As an educator, a career I was meant to do, I am left with the very real uncertainty that I may not go back this year. There is so much left up in the air and we are all just trying to get through this together. I was filled with anxiety as school is the safe place for so many of our kiddos. It is a place where they are guaranteed a meal. Would they get fed?! Fortunately as you have seen across the news, schools are still providing meals. But I am also left with the wonder of those who do not have internet, will they know?As an educator we spend 180 days with our students. We develop a very real sense of a family. We laugh together, argue, cry together and love and play. To say I am grieving a loss is a very accurate description. I have gone through stages of grief, and still am. But I am constantly looking for a solution.
How I Am Supporting My Students
I have never been more grateful for Seesaw. I have used the app for a few years as a way to share work with parents. Now, it is used by me in a totally different way. I have been sharing videos of myself with my parents and students. Fortunately, 95% of my families are on Seesaw and will have access to my videos. I have been sending two videos a day. 1 of me reading to my littles and another of our Heggerty lesson. (note - I am posting the videos privately and will delete them after this craziness is over)The feedback I have had is amazing. Kids are talking to the videos. Responding to me with an I miss you too. My heart breaks. Because again, we didn't even get to say goodbye. What also hurts my heart are those educators who have zero way to contact their class. Those special educators who have seen every child in the school and are completely helpless without a single class of their own. America your teachers are hurting right now. We are not enjoying any moment of this. Are we grateful to be home with our own families? 100%, but we still have a whole family that we are torn away from.