On the Monday, October 19th, the kids returned back to the classroom for the first time since March. With the COVID-19 reopening metrics and benchmarks still in the moderate categories, Lookout Mountain Elementary School resumed in a hybrid learning model. This meant that our kids would have two full days of in-person learning, two days of self-paced,
independent work at home and Wednesday an early release day of live sessions
online with a teacher. The school followed the Maricopa County
Department of Public Health guidelines including:
- Required face coverings (students and staff)
- Daily temperature checks (students and staff)
- Frequent handwashing/hand sanitizing
- Physical Distancing
- Students will stay in cohorts
- One way traffic patterns in hallways
- Student belongings will be separated from others
- Drop-off and pickup routines will be modified to facilitate social distancing
Even though we understood that this could be a temporary learning option, the kids (and parents) were still excited to return to the classroom. Our kids were in Group A which meant that they were physically in the classroom on Mondays and Thursdays. Both kids were lucky that their homeroom teachers also returned to the classroom with them. While we were in this learning model, my kids were so different. They were happier. They did better in school. They were more expressive at the dinner table. They had their own lives full of experiences and friends. It was such a joy to see just a little spark back in their lives. Sadly, about five weeks into the hybrid learning model, the COVID-19 metrics moved back into the substantial risk category and the school district moved back to a distance learning environment for everyone once again. We are not sure when the metrics will improve and our kids can get back to the classroom, but we are hoping it will be sooner than later.
The one thing that I can say about my kids is that they are very resilient. This school year has not been a normal one, but they have adapted and adjusted pretty well. That is one life skill that will serve them quite well.
Madi ~ 1st Day of Hybrid Learning
Aiden ~ 1st Day of Hybrid Learning
So excited!
Boarding the bus
Aiden's School Picture
4th Grade
Mrs. Fuerte
Madilyn's School Picture
5th Grade
Ms. Fasnacht
Comments