Skip to main content

7.5 COVID Education Ideas for Parents

In the past week we've received several emails and phone messages from the school districts where our children attend. The pendulum swings from one side to the other, often within 24 hours. 

If you're like us, head scratching, teeth grinding, and confusion swarms what might have otherwise been a normal day. But, these days are anything but normal.

As our girls shed tears about the loss of connection around their friends and teachers, cancelled sports, postponed extra-curricular and arts programs, we try to find solutions to these challenges.

First, let me unequivocally say that I do not, nor will I ever, apologize for working for and acquiring the resources to support my family. It has never been, nor do I expect it to be, easy (whatever that means). I only know that it is worth it. I know that it is my responsibility as a father, and I do the best that I am able under the circumstances.

Here are seven point five ideas for parents who have students who are forced by unelected officials into online learning;

  1. Podschooling - do your own bit of research here. You are perfectly capable. Let me lead by saying that my lovely and talented sister has successfully homeschooled 12 adopted children, but never alone. These local groups pool resources and networks for absolutely top tier learning experiences.
  2. If you decide to put together a podschool, rotate homes - two or three days a week. Check with your employer about working from home routines, and perhaps help from them to resource the group. Hit up your district for transportation vouchers, taxi vouchers, or bus passes.
  3. If there is a district with a jack boot or heavy hand, hire a high school student/sibling to proctor the schooling group. This allows the teacher of record from the school to maintain the legal requirements for the administration of public funds.
  4. Teach the students in the group about menus when asking everyone to prepare their own meals. Let them facilitate round table lunch discussions about nutrition (please, parents, don't value and virtue signal kids who eat differently than you do). Hit up the district for lunch reimbursement funds.
  5. Take temperatures. Ask the district to provide thermometers.
  6. Not only should kiddos wear masks, they can also learn the lost art of sewing, and make masks for their fellow group members.
  7. Get outside. There are so many games that can and should be played - meeting the needs of social distancing. Spike Ball. Cross-net Volleyball. Cornhole. Croquet. These games have rules, a history, and require strategies for play. They also meet the requirements for Physical Education so school budgets can reimburse you for equipment necessary to the curriculum.
7.5.    If you need more ideas and support, reach out to my friends at Center Creek Institute, Educational Wingman, or Safe Place to Talk.

Finally, let me say, that we hire our publics school districts to provide a service, paid for with our hard earned wage. If that service does not meet your expectations, run for school board, attend a meeting, write a letter, make a phone call. Do not go quietly into the night. Do not allow the shrill cacophony of fear to drown out reason and accountability.

Onward!

Dr. J
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Panicdemic Data - We Can Open Schools

10/13/2020 UPDATE The Great Barrington Declaration . You probably haven't seen it since Google and Reddit shadow banned/censored and salted it with climate denial subterfuge. Bing for the win, since they played it straight. This science driven, thoughtful petition - initiated by highly recognized Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford epidemiologists - signed by 7,000 medical scientists and 15,000 medical practitioners.  Science is real, remember? Here's a key part:  " Current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on short and long-term public health. The results (to name a few) include lower childhood vaccination rates, worsening cardiovascular disease outcomes, fewer cancer screenings and deteriorating mental health – leading to greater excess mortality in years to come, with the working class and younger members of society carrying the heaviest burden. Keeping students out of school is a grave injustice. Keeping these measures in place until a vaccine is availab...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Merits of Arizona's New Standardized Test - Principles of Principals

On November 3, 2014, behind the distractions of the mid-term elections; the Arizona State Board of Education approved the RFP from SAGE Testing Company for full implementation of the AzMERIT for Spring 2015. If you're a parent, student, or employed in education you need to know some things about this test. In it's entirety, the test is computer based.  Instead of asking your child to select the correct graph from a menu of choices, they will be asked to create a graphic representation on their own. Admittedly, it's a much DEEPER look into applied knowledge.   Utah took the test last school year with startling results .  Less than half tested proficient. Less than half . Either it's a distilled look at UT children's abilities, or the results are skewed by rapid implementation of new standards, new measures of accountability, and new testing protocols. Is Arizona ready? District's who were preparing, have had a minor shift in preparation towards th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Prayer for an Educator

It's rare to sit in the staff lounge for the 30 minute lunch break  we get and be able to reflect on one's career. Today was one such day...causing a flood of memories.  I offer this prayer for educators May you have protection when you do the home visit on the little girl who's father beat her with a 2x4 for getting a C.  May you have wisdom when consoling the teacher who gave her the C. Go with courage to sit next to the little girl who all alone weeps at the lunch table because she has lice. Teach her mother with tenderness. Be vigilant when the little boy describes the cigarette burn on his eye given him by his mother because he complained he was hungry. Hold fast at the 9 o'clock hour, still at school prepping for another day, while your own children go to sleep not having seen you all day. Have wisdom when all at home is falling down around you - and you know the children at school need you now more than ever. Be with joy when t...
2 comments
Read more