Back to School

Jeffrey starts first grade today! Where on earth did the time go?

This year, the beginning of the school year looks and feels different for all of us. Matthew and I decided to send Jeffrey for in-person learning after seeing his school’s plan for re-entry.

But even though I am confident in the school’s plan and in Jeffrey’s ability to comply with the new rules and regulations, there is apprehension. Will Jeffrey stay healthy? What will the experience be like, with limited out-of-classroom activities? How long will in-person learning even last?

For some people, the school year is starting with remote learning, whether by choice or not.

No matter how your school year is starting, we’re all feeling worried about the experience our children will have, the learning they will do, and when this will all end.

And no matter what your choice or what your district is doing, I find we’re all justifying to each other the way the school year is starting. Hey, I did the same thing 4 paragraphs above…

Here’s the thing: we are all making the best possible choices we can with the information we have. We are factoring in our children’s physical and mental states, their learning abilities, our capacity with our jobs and other obligations, our comfort level, our risk level…

It’s an insane balancing act and each and every one of us is navigating it as best we can. So, here’s what I promise: I will like every back to school picture I see, whether it’s your kid in jammies in front of a Zoom or in a uniform in front of their building. I will cheer you on whether you’re schooling all day or helping with homework at night. I won’t judge your choices or expect one word of explanation.

Here’s to the best school year we can have.

I don’t know about you, but my child constantly amazes me in his ability to adapt, enjoy, and thrive even in challenging circumstances. I don’t think this is going to be any different.