Let me just put this out there: I know I don’t completely get it. As much at I try to grasp the weight of school decisions, I really can’t.
I homeschool. It’s what I know.
So, the realm of public or private school isn’t familiar to me.
In an effort to widen my understanding, I reached out to some fellow moms, each in different seasons with their child’s ages, educational needs, school divisions, and experience (some homeschool, some public, some private), and included their quotes throughout.
I want to not just be sympathetic, but also empathetic to your situation, thought, and pressure.
I want this post to be a platform for love, understanding, and grace from the voices of these women, speaking and sharing on behalf of so many.
So, parents who are sending their children to school for in class instruction, and teachers who will greet these kiddos, and you who wear both hats, these are for you.
Dear parents,
I see you.
I see the struggle you face as you take a big look at your child’s education options for the fall.
I see the fear, the uncertainty, the anxiety.
The weight you carry is heavy.
“I don’t want to live in fear. And God has given me the faith and confidence that He’s got my kids, and this is where they’re supposed to be.”
JCPS Parent
Christy Byrum
The balance of work and children is scary and more uncertain than ever before.
And, hear me say, there is nothing wrong nor judgment given as you pursue in class instruction.
You can send your children to school AND love them too!
My friend and hair stylist, Felicia Pryor, was able to weigh in about this coming school year, and I thought she relayed it perfectly:
“I think we as parents in this season need to remember to extend grace, lots of it! To each other, to our children, to our school faculties, to our governor, to ourselves.
We’ve never lived through this before and we’re all making the best decisions for our families with the information at hand in our current life situations.”
Remember, your school choice is just that.
Your choice, for your family.
“We all love our babes and want what’s best for them and I hope at the end of the day, they know that.
In the midst of all the uncertainty that is now and is to come, I pray they know without a shadow of doubt how much their parents love them.”
BCPS Parent
Felicia Pryor
There it is.
Love.
Grace.
This year, more than ever, let’s share this in abundance.
Dear Teachers,
Thank you infinity.
Thank you for sacrificing day in and day out to love on so many little personalities, building trust, and working with parents to help enrich the lives of their children.
Thank you for answering the call to educate and come alongside families to help grow the beauty and excitement of learning.
“As I look ahead to the start of this school year, I’m relieved to find I have less anxiety than I anticipated. Thankfully, this is due to the continued trust I have in my children’s school and teachers, especially during this uncertain time.”
HLS Parent
Heather Cregger
I know as you look ahead, the view of and requirements for a safe and successful school year dampens your excitement and breaks your heart.
I see your worry, frustration and uncertainty as you contemplate and weigh your health and financial needs against one another, all the while missing your students.
Hear this loud and clear: YOU are important.
The whole you.
Your health, well being, safety – they all matter.
“I teach 90+ kids a day (we’re on block schedule). But our school is almost 1900. So I come into contact with many, many people during the school day. You cannot social distance in that environment.”
JCPS Teacher
I know some teachers have retired early because the option was available to them, and I know others would do the same if it was possible.
“I’m at high risk and this virus scares me.
If I could retire, I would.”
JCPS Teacher
And, you know what? It’s okay.
You can prioritize your personal health and still love your students.
“I think most teachers would rather be with their students but there are too many unknowns and too many obstacles to meeting in person safely.”
JCPS Teacher
Unfortunately, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to share their unsolicited opinion, and cause you to feel selfish or uncaring because you’re thinking about your health.
Those Karen’s…they don’t speak for the many.
“I think my biggest concern with sending my girls is obviously their health and safety, but I think a lot of those anxious teachers. Our kids could carry the virus without any symptoms to lots of people.”
“I have never felt more appreciation for our teachers in and out of the school buildings. So, when it came to this decision, it was a pretty clear answer for us (to choose in class instruction).”
BCPS Parent
Felicia Pryor
Teachers, you are not forgotten.
It takes a village, and so many parents are so grateful to have you a part of theirs.
Ignore those haters.
You are amazing.
As the school year begins, I’m committing to pray the following scripture over all of you:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
A big thank you to my friends Felicia Pryor, Christy Byrum, and Heather Cregger and anonymous others who contributed and trusted me with their thoughts and concerns about this coming school year.
If anyone has any words of encouragement for fellow parents and/or teachers, or ways I can be praying for you during this season, please share them in the comments.
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