New Norms and Weathering Storms

New Norms

Flex Learning has been an adjustment, but we found our groove and as a result were able to do what was best for kids.

As the school year comes to an end, teachers all over the world are being bombarded with emails ,virtual meetings, google forms and spreadsheets in an effort to prepare for the work ahead.

Teachers are relocating to new schools and classrooms, creating new school supply lists that will have more than the normal amounts of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and additions like gloves and possibly masks.

We are forming new committees, to consider new norms like schedule changes to accommodate no longer being able to eat in the same cafeterias or play in large groups at recess. 

Things have changed.

School can’t be the same.

What made it elementary for me, will no longer be.

Uncertainty

Today, I was tasked with figuring out what events my grade level should have put on the calendar for the upcoming school year.

You know, the field trips we want to go on and holiday programs we want to host.

What used to be a simple and exciting task took a ton of research, more than a few emails and all for the end result to be, no field trips next year and virtual hosting.

 Just typing it produces a certain type of indifference in me. 

Lately, the world feels upside down. Full of uncertainty. And chaotic.

Consequently, so does education.

Currently, officials are attending a host of zoom meetings and conference calls pondering and proposing questions like:

• What will be the process for enforcing social distancing come fall?
• How will lunches be served?
• Will additional nursing staff be needed?
• Are there going to be hand washing stations and temperature checks before entry is allowed?
• Will registration now require proof of COVID testing?

It’s a lot.

Today, no one can say with absolute certainty what our new norm(s) will be, but don’t worry! 

At no point in the history of the world has a storm lasted forever. 

Points of reference:

Noah:The Flood Subsided: Genesis 8:1-19

The woman with the issue of blood: Immediately her discharge ceased: Luke 8:43-48

Joseph: He rose to Power: Genesis 41:37-44

Job: The Lord Restored his Fortunes: Job 42:10-17