Comment from blondie560

Excellent

I just read where parents in my state were questioning if it was fair to give the students the standardized learning tests. Not only is it not fair for them, but it's not fair for the teachers. Any one with even half a brain know that this year of no classes and no summer school is going to hurt many students. Sure there are the advanced students that could learn anywhere, but I would think there are many more marginalized students that need just a little extra to keep their attention, and the students that don't care at all. But to penalize the teachers because the scores fall is like blaming a farmer when his crops fail because of a drought. Just my opinion.
On a lighter note I did enjoy your witty banter with your co-worker.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

Thanks, blondie560, and your analogy is perfect for this situation. We need every second we have our kids to help them catch up on all the educational opportunities that have been lost over the past year. Jan

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I do completely understand. In August as the teachers reported for duty, I told my principal, I would rather have students at school and take my chances with COVID. Oh well, nobody listens to the teachers. I enjoyed reading.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

right, barbara - why listen to those who know the most about children! Jan

Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock

Excellent

This rendering of your feelings is eloquent in the way you segued your feelings to the students that appeared in the hall. I believe it must be so heartwrenching to be put on hold, as you and thousands have been, during this past year. We keep praying it will end.

Ralf

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

Thanks so much, Ralf. Jan

Comment from Mastery

Excellent

Hi Jan. This is definitely one of those upbeat reports I enjoy hearing about. lately, it is so easy to get drawn into the down side of everything. I too am guilty of that, I am sorry to say. Bless you and enjoy teaching those young people. Bob

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

I will, Bob. Mine are returning on 3/22 - at least those who are returning for in-person lessons. Jan

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

It's been horrid for the children, they have missed so much. Interacting with each other is a big part of education. I enjoyed your lovely story, I wonder if you'll all be thinking the same once they are all back and causing you grief! lol. Well done. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

I, for one, will - I don't know about the others. Jan

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

An interesting view from an insider's perspective about the return to teaching. The pandemic certainly has required some changes and flexibility in the teaching and learning experiences. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

Thanks so much, Wendy.

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

Very interesting. I bet it did feel good seeing kids and being on campus again after all is time. Like coming home. There is something about being on the job site with co- workers that is can't be replaced at home.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021

You are absolutely correct, lancellot. Jan

Comment from T B Botts

Excellent

I enjoyed this post. I could sense the love you feel towards your students and the difficulty that everyone has endured this past year. I was a spec-ed aid for seven years and I've seen first hand the bond between teachers and students.

 Comment Written 19-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 19-Mar-2021

Thanks, T B Botts. God bless you for your work with our kids who need the best and most compassionate personnel to work with them. Jan

Comment from Goodadvicechan

Excellent

I like the picture of the students. Both of them look so attentive but yet confused.

My grandchildren are excited of gong back to school. They still miss some friends because they are only allowed to see friends of the same class. They still cannot run around freely.

I am glad that teachers are equally excited to go back to school.

Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 19-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 19-Mar-2021

Goodadvicechan: Teachers have gotten a bad rap during this pandemic because many thought it was the teachers who wanted the schools closed. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rdfrdmom2

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

What a fun and interesting personal uplifting story, Jan. I loved reading it. Your details create great imagery of the students in the hallway, the ROTC leader, and your school admin in general. I pray that everything will keep on the positive side. Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 19-Mar-2021

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reply by the author on 19-Mar-2021

Thanks so much, Jan. Some of my students are scheduled to return next week - I can hardly wait to meet the kids I have been teaching virtually all year. Jan