As we approach the next school year, I find myself grappling with worries that feel all too familiar. This past year has been a whirlwind of remote learning, hybrid models, and constant anxiety about health and safety. Between juggling work Zoom meetings and my kids’ online classes, it’s been a challenge like no other.
Initially, my children began the school year fully remote, and as our local COVID-19 infection rate improved, we made the decision to transition them back into the classroom. The dining room table just wasn’t cutting it anymore. They started with a hybrid schedule, spending two days in school and three days learning at home. With fewer students in the classroom, they received more individualized attention from their teachers. Now that all three of my kids are back in school four days a week, I can confidently say it’s made a world of difference for both them and my own peace of mind.
However, with only a few months left in this school year, I can’t help but worry about what lies ahead. The uncertainty of the summer and how it will affect the next school year looms over me. For my children, attending school four days a week—hopefully five—is essential for their wellbeing. Yet, the practicalities of this new normal fill me with anxiety.
I find myself sending text reminders to my partner about essentials like masks and water bottles—a new routine for our family. Ensuring our kids have face coverings and reusable water bottles has become standard practice, especially since using school water fountains poses a risk. The ongoing concerns about illness and vaccinations leave many parents, including myself, feeling uneasy about the upcoming year.
Take the perspective of Jenna Collins, a parent from a suburb of Atlanta, who shared her thoughts on the matter. She expressed her apprehension about sending her sixth grader back to school full-time, citing the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its effects on children. “Even though I’m nervous, we’ll be sending him to school,” she said. Ultimately, we must make the best choices for our families, even if those choices are different from those around us.
The reality is that life and education have transformed, perhaps permanently. While children are resilient, adapting to these changes is essential for all of us. My school supply checklist is already evolving, as I stockpile extra masks and water bottles, recalling the shortages we faced last spring. The fears we experience as parents begin long before our children are even born, and the challenges presented by COVID-19 are uniquely daunting, leaving us with many unanswered questions.
As I look ahead to next year, I find myself worried about five key areas:
- The social and emotional health of my children, especially as they navigate their identities as students.
- The potential for teachers to connect with their students while managing their own fears and home responsibilities.
- The risk of my kids contracting or transmitting COVID-19.
- The possibility that traditional school experiences—like sharing tables, eating lunch together, and freely accessing the library—may not return for a long time.
- My own mental load, balancing work and supporting my kids’ education without feeling overwhelmed.
These concerns are intensified by the information available from the CDC, which highlights the unknown aspects of COVID-19 in children, including their ability to spread the virus. Each family must weigh their own options, considering various factors like transportation to school and the safety of activities like recess.
As we move toward the next school year, we must ensure our children have access to a safe and supportive educational environment. For more insights on navigating these challenges, check out this other blog post.
In summary, as we face the uncertainties of the upcoming school year, it’s crucial to prioritize our children’s health and education while managing our own anxieties as parents.
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