What to expect when you're expecting to reopen schools

Open

Schools are reopening soon in the Southland

Confusion. So get your breathing exercises ready and heart ready for patience.

This is the first time we’ve all done this at this scale. Schools are scrambling, teachers are worried, and families have more questions than answers. What is clear is that children and schools should be prioritized as we begin to reopen southern California.

There should be a choice to return. Give that power to the family. Some families are more than ready or have a need for their children to return to school, while others are too fearful. Additionally, teachers must be given the opportunity to vaccinate and return safely to the classroom. Communication and sympathy must remain open and ongoing.

Lets acknowledge that reopening and getting to a place of healing is the most important. Children, families, and staff/teachers have all been through a traumatic experience for this past year and getting back to business-as-usual would be hasty. Worrying about learning loss is important but not the priority. Requirements should be relaxed during the onset of reopening and mental health is most critical as we learn how to learn again.

Let children have the space and time to get back to normal. Children are resilient but our workforce may hurt for longer time. Give teachers and staff the support they need too. Get creative and make sure leadership is involved in that healing and listening to staff, students and families.

We’ll get through this too.