With all these plans coming out regarding the reopening of schools, I sit here and think there is no right answer. I am sure a lot of you are having the same thoughts. Of course the kids need to be back in school, but not at the expense of everyone’s health. It would be foolish to assume that everyone in the school building is properly following social distancing guidelines. There are too many unknowns to make any of these plans the right solution.
As difficult as it will be to have CJ as home virtually learning, it’s something we can handle. While the last three months of school his enthusiasm progressively declined, I attribute that to not going anywhere or doing anything. It was clear that the family was cramping his style. I am hoping in September we will still be able to see certain friends and have some family outings. Not leaving the house took its toll on everyone. I was struggling, and I fully understood what was going on.
Ella is the one I worry about the most. The special education population has been seriously underrepresented during this pandemic. As much as I have empathy for parents who have concerns about the regular education children, our concerns regarding Ella are taken to an entirely different level. She has missed an incredible amount of therapy and lost the momentum that was keeping her on track. Even if we could do outside therapy, the mask will be an issue until I can find the right one for her. Trust me, it’s not for lack of trying. She is making progress.
We were asked when we spoke to Ella’s principal if we would be willing to send her back if school opened. Steve and I both agreed it was a strong possibility if we were comfortable with the protocols that will be put in place. Even with that, we are assuming that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing to keep everyone safe. We all know how good some people are at doing their jobs. The consequences of them not doing it correctly are high on the list of risks for sending her back. Our biggest concerns are the therapy rooms. We are anxiously waiting to see how this will be addressed.
Another issue we run into is bussing. Ella’s school is out of district so there is a possibility that if our home district is all remote, transportation will not be provided. That obviously means if Ella is to go to school every day, someone needs to bring her and pick her up. The thought of that already is stressing me out. If it needs to be done, we will find a way, but it won’t be ideal.
In no scenario can I see Ella successfully participating in at home learning. She doesn’t focus during google meets with her teacher or therapists, and is far too distracted at home to focus long enough to do work with me. None of it can be done independently and there are two other children in my home that need me. One of which can’t be trusted for thirty seconds on his own. The only possible solution I can think of would be having Dani here to do the schooling, but I have zero idea what her schedule will look like in the fall. As of this moment I don’t think she does either. Even with that, Ella would be missing so much.
I am trying to remain positive and hope that things work out for my girl. CJ will adapt to whatever the outcome is for him. We, as a family, might have to be more amendable to make sure Ella gets the maximum support she can. Never in my wildest dreams in all the things we advocate for, did I think this would be one of them.
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