From a mom to the teachers of #Onted

 Something to think about over the break...

As the parent of two school age children we have been talking a lot of the new routines and the removal of masks/returning to sitting in groups. Both of my daughters suffer from anxiety and are currently struggling with the thought of immediately sitting so close to others after 2 years of trying to stay distanced. There will be students in your class that feel the same way. 

Perhaps a slow transition to groups is needed, sitting in pairs first might be best? Ask students how they feel and what they are ready for. While we may be ready to return to the practice of sitting in groups and it makes teaching certain topics and activities easier, it is not about our convenience but about centering the needs of our students. 

My daughters have also asked me about masks and whether I will still be wearing one. I told that them that I will be wearing a mask at school after the break and it's for 2 reasons:

1) I want to. It's my choice to wear one as is all things regarding my body and issues of consent.

2) There will be students who want to wear a mask still and they will need to see adults in the building wearing masks and supporting them in that decision. The students who are comfortable not wearing masks may not need our support as much. And maybe students feel comfortable taking their mask off in the classroom community where they have built trust with you and their classmates but not in the hallway where they encounter more people. Again, as the adults and the educators in the building it's important to decenter ourselves and do what's best for kids first and foremost.

So as a mom of two kids scared and worried to come back to school on the 21st I am asking you to consider these things and work to help your students heal and transition as we slowly move away from COVId restrictions.