HOODIES AND MASKS, REALLY?

The start of this school year has been one of the most unique starts in education history.  

Students as well as teachers have returned with many different school supplies compared to non pandemic years.  We are seeing face masks, face shields, microphones, latex gloves and hand sanitizer by the gallons.  The return of our students and families comes after the mandated school closing that began March 16, 2020 so for many of our students, their last day of school in a building could have potentially been March 13, 2020.  

Under these very trying times, showing empathy and gaining a better understanding of what our students are experiencing should be a top priority for those teachers who are instructing face to face.  Creating and establishing a safe and welcoming classroom environment is vital to light the fire again in many students who have been missing a structured learning environment. 

With a continued emphasis on student achievement and high expectations for all students, there may have been some drastic changes for our returning students.   Embracing students and welcoming them back to your classrooms and schools are actions that can be both seen and felt.  Sending students to the office or writing an Office Discipline Referral for a student who has a hood up should be the least of our worries at this time. Keeping students in class should be the number one priority while providing them with the best educational experience possible.  

As Dr. Hollie mentioned in one of our Summer Institute sessions, "What battles do we really want to fight with hoodies, hats, headbands and scarves?"  How can we address these issues without denying students of the education they deserve?  How are we building relationships with students to gain a deeper understanding of why they are behaving a certain way?  You have the POWER to make it happen and you are the CATALYST for change.  It’s time to GRIND!  

“Education leads to enlightenment.  Enlightenment leads to empathy.  

Empathy foreshadows reform.”   

Derrick Bell