COVID-19 cuts a wide swath into our daily lives and routines. The impending Fall school year is in jeopardy of several potential tragedies. If students miss a school year, or, a half-year, because of contagion of the novel virus, it would be a tragedy. Students, especially younger, more pliable children, require hands-on education in classrooms, and depend on engaging in the socialization with other children, primarily to learn better interaction. Another tragedy is being unaware while exposed to the virus, suffering from it, or, bringing it home to family, friends, and neighbors.
We face difficult choices.
In spite of pressure from national political types, many school districts are working diligently to find the correct solutions. Each school district will make its decision which best fits its need for safety, health, growth. The overwhelming objective is what allows growth and is safe.
Indian Prairie District 204, primarily Aurora and Naperville, however, includes portions of Warrenville, Wheatland, Plainfield, and Bolingbrook, the fourth largest school district in the State, recently disseminated a plan for the fast-approaching school year.
Superintendent Dr. Adrian B. Talley, who recently started a first term in the position, reported on the July 13 Board of Education meeting, a focus on the Return to School plan. “We surveyed parents and staff for feedback on a variety of scheduling options that would allow for social distancing….We received more than 10,600 parent responses and 2,800 staff responses. The option to have a weekly blend of in-person instruction and remote learning was the first or second choice for 75% of parents and 74% of staff (members).”
What will follow is an A/B/C schedule based on students’ last names. Online instruction will be open to all students. Parents will begin selecting options July 20. As of now, under State Phase 4, not all students can be together. Separation is important. In many cases the spread of COVID-19 will dictate schedules in the State and in the Nation.
Kaneland School District 302 this week formulated plans which will be a hybrid of in-classroom and remote work. Details, including masks, physical distance, physical education, and groups, must be worked out in each district. The Kaneland school year will begin August 12, so time is tight.
Four school superintendents in the State, including Tony Sanders of District U-46 (Elgin) the second largest school district in the State, combined to write a nice piece about the situation. Read it at thevoice.us/schools-must-think-creatively-act-boldly.
Clear and concise, week 28
• We are awakened is correct, not woke, in spite of new, clever, lingo. Woke for past tense, or present tense, can be clever, however, always incorrect.
• Eyes stands as a noun and not as a verb when the meaning is to look at, or, seek a view.