By Sister Cathy Bonfield, SSND, Sarasota, Florida
After two long weeks of preparation by teachers and months by the administration, masked students arrived at St. Martha School, Sarasota, Florida, on August 17th. Staff greeted students in their cars, and temperatures were taken before they came into school. Students and teachers seemed happy to be back in the building after months of virtual learning. Parents seemed thrilled as they waved goodbye to their children. I didn’t see any tears!
Approximately 85% of our 400+ students are in the building for classes, and the rest are participating by synchronous live-streaming from home. This is a challenge for teachers as we juggle with Chromebooks and ViewSonic boards teaching students in front of us and at home at the same time. We are being stretched in so many ways, but our “We can do it!” attitude is getting us through this time.
Life in the school building is much different from when we left in March. Students are divided into cohorts and stay in the same room for all their classes but PE. Student desks are spaced six feet apart. Teachers move from room to room with their carts of equipment. The students sit at lunch tables separated by plexiglass.Temperatures are taken again after lunch. Hands are washed/sanitized many times during the day. Field trips are virtual only. Most of the students’ assignments are submitted electronically. Only teachers and staff are allowed in the building. Parent conferences are held virtually. Direction signs are everywhere.
Many things have changed over my 50+ years teaching, but the important things are the same. Children want to learn and be together, and my passion for teaching is still there.
Sister Cathy asked her sixth-graders (both returning and those still working online): How do you feel about being back in school?
● I feel that it is definitely different, but I mostly like it because I have something to do. I just don’t like how everything has changed.
● Personally I'm not a fan of the new precautions, but I still believe the social interaction is something we all need again. I feel as if we are in a different world. It is so strange to have a mask on all day and to have to sanitize all the time. I kind of only like the school year because I can see my friends.
● I really like online, but I kind of miss school and having the routine and especially my teachers.
● It is way different from normal school, but now we can see each other in person.
● It is nice to be back in school and to get out of the house, but I haven't seen my friends in a long time, so it's very hard to stay six feet apart. I have three other siblings, so it's good to get out of the house.
● This school year feels a lot different. I don’t like how the days seem super long, and that we have to wear masks and sanitize every minute.
● I feel that it's a lot more difficult and tiring sitting in the same seat for hours on end.
● I feel glad to be back to school. I really missed my friends, and I'm really enjoying it. It's really weird, but I enjoy it. I don't want to get sick.
● It feels like all the days are going by so much slower.
● I feel happy that I can be back at school with my friends.
● I am doing virtual learning, and it is going okay. It’s a lot being in class for five to six hours a day, but other than that it is going very well. I really appreciate the hard work all the teachers are putting into this
● Being back at school is fun, but it's also hard because we never go anywhere except for lunch. The day also feels a lot longer.
● I feel less bored and happier.
● At first I felt nervous but then excited.
● I feel okay about it. I'm not super happy.
● I feel that by returning to school I can be with my friends.
● I feel good. I am grateful that I am at school because at home it's very boring. After classes, you can talk to friends.
● I feel good about it. It's fun.
● I think it is good to be back in school because I can actually get out of my house. I also like doing something and being occupied for the day.
● Being back in school is really good because I get to see all my friends. I think I can focus more because my friends aren't sitting that close to me, so it's easier not to talk.
● Being back at school feels weird because we have to wear masks, and we don't get to go to the playground with equipment. Our desks are spread apart.
● I feel tired but excited to be back at school because there's something to do!
● I feel it is good because being online is easy, like being in class still, and is easy to understand.
