Pull Together

The pandemic is now disrupting a rhythm that had been stable across generations--the return to school.

All of us in the CVUSD school community feel this disruption. We are experiencing an uncomfortable mix of emotions: sadness and disappointment, a sense of unfairness, a yearning for the routines that keep us centered, concern about learning loss, worries about child care and about balancing work schedules. It’s hard, perhaps the hardest thing we’ve had to do.

And let’s be candid. There’s anger. Anger at what the pandemic has taken from us.

So what do we do with all this anger and frustration? Hard emotions like anger can motivate us to productive action; but anger can also settle into grievance and divide us into opposing camps.

Everyone wants our students back in their schools.

From the moment the stay-safe-at-home order abruptly closed schools back in March, CVUSD district leadership, teachers, and school staff have been engaged in intensive planning to get students back in schools safely. At the same time, our educators collaborated and created plans to deliver high-quality learning experiences remotely in the event that public health authorities ordered temporary closures. Planning continues around the clock this summer. Teachers are mastering a new online learning platform, creating engaging learning activities, and preparing to welcome their students.

That flexibility in our district’s planning is key to maintaining the stability of school that we all crave and that we know is essential for our students and families.

Whether on campus or not, our teachers will be working hard to find creative ways to connect with students--which will look different for all learners. The ties that bind us to each other in our school community persist.

-Lauren