How do we return?

Over a year ago the world for us changed overnight. We said, “see you tomorrow”, not yet realizing that this would not happen. Not tomorrow, or many tomorrows, for over a year. The students I had been teaching moved on, I welcomed a new class, and we still haven’t “seen you tomorrow.” But, now we will, and the adjustment brings excitement and concern, happiness and trepidation. Can I stand to wear a mask all day? Can I get used to standing 6 feet apart, moving classrooms, adjusting to the shifts in classes while continuing to plan lessons and assess student work? Will those students who have had difficulty connecting with school find it more meaningful back in the building? 

I’m nervous, but not in the “first-day-of-school” way, but in the “I-don’t-know-what-this-will-look-like way” and can I change how I teach again, and will it be meaningful for my kids, and will they be full of wonder and curiosity when we are done or just relieved that this year is over.

We have all done our best this year. That is what I want my students to know the most, that I have done my best for them and I know they have done their best also. Sometimes, our best doesn’t look very good, and sometimes our best has flashes of brilliance. In the end, what will matter, is our collective response to one another. Some came through the fire unscathed while others lost dearly. Our job will be to hold the memories of what was missed during the year and be gentle with those thoughts. Look at one another, be grateful for more time together, and know that we can do difficult things.