I felt like everyone around the table had a grasp on the seriousness of the situation.
Only two days ago, we agreed we would stay open as long as we could-as long as there were no cases in our immediate area. That had now changed as a case was confirmed thirty miles away.
The conversation circled multiple times and included important concerns like the constitution test and postponing prom and graduation. No students should have these experiences denied. But then again, this is a global pandemic. There are many experiences people are missing out on right now.
I thought the conversation was winding down when the topic of the room cleaning came up. I finally understood that we were not on the same page.
“Yes, we need to make sure kids get all their stuff out of the lockers and their desks.”
The gasp was not quite audible, but the silence was. It was like sound did not travel at the same speed on my last comment.
Suddenly, everyone was buzzing with questions. It was obvious that no one else had any thought that the next two days might just be the last two days of the school year. And even if we do get to return to school, there is a lot of cleaning that needs to be done without a bunch of stuff to deal with.
Today, we said our good-byes just in case. I am positive that I hope it won’t be the last day but also realistic that it might.
And I am positive all the uncertainty may also be deadly with all the stress it is causing.
The Life Blend 
It’s unbelievable how quickly things have changed. I’m so grateful that I haven’t had to make the decisions to close or cancel anything and my heart goes out to those who are missing out on milestones. I liked the perspective your story is told from and I’m sure many have felt we’re not all on the same page.
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I was just thinking tonight about the last two weeks and how crazy everything has been and the speed of the change, but also how slow the uncertainty feels. Strange concepts.
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That was such a strange feeling when I realized it may also have been our last day of school for the year. I am not willing to have it end yet, there’s just too much I still want to do with these amazing kids. We have to hope we will still be going back this spring!
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I am still hoping, especially for my boys who have absolutely amazing teachers this year!
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What a serious moment, and your account is almost like a suspense story, things looking serious but manageable, until you get to the point that you had thought of, but no one else had. That moment when reality really sinks in. Good luck in your school. I wonder if there might be a way to hold a virtual prom. Ask your students if they can work on that project.
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That is a good idea. I do feel bad for all our students and what they are missing – whether prom, spring sport season, or just the last months of school with an incredible teacher. Thanks for the comment.
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It’s probably the last….and it’s hard. Be safe.
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Sort of like, “Hi. I’m reality. Have we met?” On the other hand, the whole situation seems surreal.
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Exactly. By the end, I really just wanted to say, ‘just leave the stuff. I don’t know what I am talking about! I am certain we will be back by April 3rd . . .’ I think it was worse than breaking the news to my boys. For them I did stick to the deep cleaning and not the end of school.
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