Shauna

“Experience is a hard teacher.  She gives the test first, the lesson afterward”.

Well we have the experience now; that is, we have experienced a virtual year of education, but what are the lessons? We don’t even know the lessons from the virtual world - we haven’t had time to process important lessons and we are moving right into another test, that is, hybrid. 

Kindergarten and first grade teachers have completed Day 7 of test two.  Most of us are too close to the forest to see the trees. In other words, we can’t really pinpoint the lessons we are taking from this whirlwind experience. 

I observed Shauna’s first grade hybrid class - and I think she has identified a tree.  Shauna has worked through a huge detail of the needed screen, audio, and volume adjustments that allows both groups to see and hear one another. Additionally, Shauna has the in-school kids looking at their IPADs and the smart board.  Both practices are working for Shauna to be able to teach and helping the students in both settings stay connected.   

Shauna took what she was doing in her remote setting, and she is using it in hybrid.  She has provided needed structure. Will Shauna change some aspects?  Probably.  But for now, she is finding a rhythm, a pace, an adaptation to hybrid.  

A way to look at the forest is to realize that all of us are having our first year all at the same time.  Superintendent, principal, teachers, support staff and kids and parents - we’ve never done this model before.  And, even though we sometimes have to wing it, we are showing up and moving through it.  And learning insights and practices that we might not be able to process fully. 

Your endurance and support in all the planning and follow through is such valuable work. You are not giving up on the kids and their learning. 

And, onward to next week - with second and third graders coming in.  All of you are bringing us back gradually - forever changed and forever stronger.  Thank you for all your efforts during this important transition time.  

Have a good weekend 

Marty










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