Adapting...New Normal for Now

We find ourselves in a situation that no-one has seen for over 100 years. It's funny how some situations repeat themselves. Clothing styles, furniture styles, pandemics... The current COVID-19 pandemic has been trying for so many. Many people have lost jobs either in a temporary or a permanent capacity. Healthcare workers have worked hours that have challenged the sanity of mind and strength of body. School systems have had to adapt to a new normal of teaching their students.

The teachers in our school system have been so dedicated to our students. They have been thrust into a situation they have never been required to do. They have had to communicate with students through email, telephone, and online zoom video conferences. As much of a challenge it has been, they have handled it well. When technology works, it is a great way to communicate. On the days that technology refuses to work the way it is planned, it is a challenge and a frustration for the teachers and the students.

There have been days that my daughters were able to complete all posted assignments with ease. Those are the the good days. On those days that Schoology is on the fritz, all I hear is yelling. The girls are so aggravated that they can not get to their assignments to complete them or submit them when they are completed. Many tears have been shed for fear of GPA getting lowered. Gratefully, the school system is working with them to get through all the kinks. I have never heard so many times as of late that they just want to go back to school.

I have learned to let them take a break when they get frustrated. Pushing them never helps. On days the system is not working as expected, I have them check every few minutes to see if more work can be completed. Even if in small snippets, the work needs to be done. There have been times when I have been told the work was completed but was not. A teachers phone call can put things in perspective and make a student confess to unfinished work. Weekend work becomes necessary when assignments need to be completed. So much for time off from school work.

So, this year has been a learning experience for everyone. Schools, businesses, individuals with social distancing, healthcare workers, churches, the list goes on... We will continue to be as safe as possible during this time. We will continue to support the businesses, first responders, healthcare workers, and families in crisis. We will lift up our church family for continued guidance through the challenges we face. We all continue to move forward to normalcy in our every day lives.

We continue to serve our community as needs arise, we continue to solve the problems to daily challenges, and we are learning new things daily about our community and lives that are important. In the meantime, good luck with your ventures of serving, solving, and learning.