This fall, with the world at odds and isolation orders increasing by the day, our family made the decision to keep Kelsey safe as a remote learner. We were uncertain, we were unsure, and we were scared. We can only imagine that so were her teacher and all of the school staff involved in making the decision to offer fully remote instruction.
Kelsey is social by nature, the helper in class, and an engaged learner. How would she learn from a computer? How would the teacher engage her students? How would she cultivate friendships and a sense of community? How would this work?
We trusted our educators and we believed in Kelsey. We spoke positively and openly when struggles emerged. We learned about her classmates at dinner and watched new friendships develop in breakout rooms and snack breaks.
We watched confidence soar in reading and had a difficult time keeping her bookshelf stocked. We watched a social child happy across the screen. We realize there were imperfect days and moments, but we watched a year on a Chromebook provide access, conversation, and content.
In-person projects were mimicked or recorded, and remote classrooms were also considered as part of the school.
As we close this elective remote year, we reflect often on learning leaps and gains. This year has shown a year of resilience and progress for Kelsey. We hear about the challenges many have faced this year, and we are grateful that our choice for remote instruction was a gift for Kelsey. We appreciate her teacher and all efforts made to effectively teach our daughter in a way we never thought possible before 2020.
To educators everywhere, we thank you and we appreciate you.
Be brave and enjoy your well-deserved break ahead!