The Gifts of Covid - A Year (and a bit) In Review

I would bet that when most folks look back over the past year and a half, they don't use the word "gift" in association. For a multitude of reasons, it has been hard. Understatement. 

But, I would also bet that many folks look back over the last year and a half with appreciation and gratitude for the multitude of little things that without a global pandemic might not have happened...

The *gifts of Covid. 

For me, it has been less about new understandings, and more about a greater appreciation for those things that I had already identified as essential to a successful school community. 

As we move through the last few days of this school year, here are just a few of those:

1. Change is an opportunity. 

We have been given the gift of disruption. An opportunity to pause, reflect and revisit structures, approaches, procedures and policies. 

2. Clear communication is essential.

In times of uncertainty, there is no such thing as 'over communication'. Even if the response is simply, "I don't know, but I'll find out." Repetition, transparency and consistency are all important aspects of clear communication. 

3. Everyone has a story.

Adults and children alike carry their stories with them. Understanding context takes time, trust and patience. 

4. Intention is important but/and others' perspective matters.

While we may act with the best of intentions, if these actions are not perceived as supportive/constructive/inclusive/collaborative, then that is what matters. The ability to listen, reflect and adjust accordingly is important. 

Wishing everyone a restful and safe summer. Here's to no masks and less sanitizing in September!

*With great appreciation to my colleague and friend Tina Pierik who coined this phrase!

Managing Change - Our New COVID Reality

 

At my core, I am a creature of habit. I would suggest that for the most part, many educators are. We like structure and routine, predictability and patterns. Change is uncomfortable. And unsettling. It is an unknown element that fills many of us worry and stress. But I have also come to understand that in that place of uncertainty, growth and learning happens. Learning happens on the edge of understanding.

In many ways, this pandemic has forced us to re-examine long-held systems, to re-envision which aspects of our traditional structures best serve our communities. It has been an opportunity. With so much "new-ness", innovation and change is a constant. And for the most part, we have come to accept that. 

But with change, comes anxiety. It is palpable in our communities. It is real. And it can be debilitating. And so I am mindful of doing my best amidst all of this "new-ness" to also offer the security and stability of familiar routines and structures. 

The next few months will be about finding a balance. A balance between the new and the familiar. A balance between those things that must be implemented, and those things that we can take the time to examine. reflect upon and consult. 

I am in a new city, in a new district, at a new school. But like my fellow educators, one element remains the same - we will do our very best to support our students. 

No matter what.