As a parent, I probably never expected to find myself trying to decide if it’s best to send my children back to school. There really is no easy answer for planning the 2020-2021 school routine and everyone’s circumstances vary. This year, I know I am not the only one feeling torn in what might be the new back to school prep and routines.
In Iowa, schools began closing in March. Our Spring Break turned into the end of school. My cousin’s daughter faced a delayed graduation and none of the typical Senior activities. Unfortunately, in Iowa the COVID-19 cases are still on the rise, with individuals finding testing hard to gain access to; despite what media says. (I have known several that needed tested, several with presumed positive due to family, and friends that were hospitalized) There’s just too much unknown and a “Return to Learn” plan from our Governor that has very little support from those directly impacted; students, teachers, and doctors. With Ames being a neighboring district appealing to go online to begin 2020-2021, it’s a bit unsettling not knowing more of what plans are.
After comparing CDC recommendations for returning to school and comparing to how Iowa plans to deal, I made the hard decision that we will most likely start our school year from home. I waited before registering but with unanswered questions from our school and new guidelines implemented by our Governor, I couldn’t risk our family or if we were to somehow be asymptomatic and pass it to another family that might be even higher risk than our own.
I have lost track of the amount of face masks I have been asked to make and plan to continue doing so to help in any way that I can.
Making a 2020-2021 School Routine
I am hoping that by second semester, things will be more secure and safe for kids to return. I know that I am nothing in comparison to the teachers they have had. I have begun compiling a Pinterest Board for 2020-2021 Back to School Planning with homeschool planning ideas and more.
For those returning to in class learning, I hope to add more resources and ideas. CNN created a 2020 back to school list for protecting against COVID-19.
What are your Back to School plans? Are you returning to the classroom? Remote learning? Feel free to leave a comment with any planning you’ve found for making this school time easier!
