The Unanimous Decision

Did you ever play with a yo-yo when you were a child? You tried to do tricks and quickly bring it back into your hand, never letting it touch the ground. Hold the yo-yo. Release with a thrust. Give it a sharp tug as it falls. Repeat.

• Mid-December - You’re returning back to school. Get ready because it’s happening!

• Beginning of January - We aren’t quite ready for you all to come back to school, but guess what? Vaccines are ready! Appointment bookings, happening soon!

• Third week of January - You’re going back to school, but bad news…we ran out of vaccines. All we can do is hope for the best.

• Last week of January – Fooled ya’, we have the vaccines. Well, maybe, but you have to schedule your appointment fast! Oh, by the way, you’re still going back to school. Inoculated or not.

This is how the return to school process has been within my school district. Hold. Release. Tug. Repeat.

Students have been separated into 8 different groups. Groups 1-4 attended school in-person based on parental consent, but after COVID-19 numbers increased, there was a pause to bringing additional groups to in-person learning. Currently, we’re being told that we are returning, and all consenting students will experience in-person learning by March 9.

I asked some of my students, “how do you feel about the return to school?” Some are excited while others have stated they are staying home and continuing virtual learning. As for me, I honestly don’t know how I feel.

Many are vocal about their anger, frustration, and sadness. My family and friends have expressed concern for me as we begin our return. I can’t pinpoint my sentiments. It’s as though I have resigned myself to whatever will be. I’m not in a position to quit or retire. I don’t feel the need to seek out my union (because they haven’t done much for us it seems). I’m not indifferent or discouraged, I just feel [insert adjective here].

This return process is ever-changing. Even at this moment, there is mention of extending the school year and this brings more angst and questions. I sympathize with those that are having a difficult time with the thought of returning and some may read this and think I may be too passive or think: Girl! Do something! Get mad! But I am doing something. I am choosing how I respond in my attempt to make it through.