This coming week marks one year since our children have stepped foot into their classrooms and while most of us probably could have guessed it was going to take a bit more than two weeks to “stop the spread”, I don’t believe we could have predicted that a year later they would still be here in distance learning.
As a mom I have felt so many different emotions over the last year, I’ve been grateful for the extra time at home with my family, I’ve been worried about the virus and how the pandemic is affecting my family and I’ve been exhausted trying to make things seem normal when they are not. Now that COVID-19 case numbers are dropping and restrictions are slowly lifting, we are getting the news that our elementary schools are re-opening.
Here are the dates that we have been given for school openings in our area.
Upland Unified School District **
Transitional Kindergarten – Already back in-person
Kindergarten – Already back in-person
Grades 1-3rd Grade – Tuesday, March 16
Grades 4-6th Grade – Tuesday, March 23
7- 12th Grade are not yet scheduled to reopen
Claremont Unified School District **
Transitional Kindergarten – 6th Grade - Target Date: Monday, April 12
7–12th Grade are not yet scheduled to reopen
Bonita Unified School District **
Transitional Kindergarten – 5th Grade – Monday, April 5
6-12th Grade – Target Date: Monday, April 12
Deciding to send your child back to school is a personal decision, and everyone needs to make the choice that is right for them and their family. There are so many things to consider and it is important to understand that the school our children are going back to is nothing like the school they left. There will be little contact with friends, masks and plexiglass will be abundant, and in-person school days will be short and few. While I am sure we all wish things could go back to “normal” right away, it does make sense that this is a process. The school districts have a huge responsibility on their shoulders and are taking the small steps necessary for a smooth transition.
As all these changes start to take place I suggest a few things;
- Allow friends/family members to make their own decisions for their families and please RESPECT whatever decision they make. We do not know what other people are going through and schedules, mental health, as well as health conditions are private and personal matters.
- Talk with your kids about the transition and prepare them for what to expect. Let them know they can come to you if they are worried or don’t feel safe.
- Keep up to date on communications sent to you by the school, as news will probably be changing by the day.
- Give grace to your child's school; this is new territory for them as well.
Finally, as a fellow mom, I wish you all the best during this transition, whatever you decide. I know this past year has not been easy, but I believe most of us have grown stronger, learned a little more about ourselves, as well as our children, and discovered what is truly important to us… tough but important lessons learned. ❤
**The above dates/information were posted on school district websites as of 3/7/21 and are subject to change. Please make sure you check your child's specific school district website for the most current news and information.
