The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound, lasting effect on our lives. Most schools shut down and abandoned in-person classes in the spring of 2020. While that offered families control of their children's whereabouts, it presented a whole set of new challenges when it came to learning. Private schools transitioned fairly quickly to online instruction. They were able to do that because private school teachers had learned how to teach effectively online. Additionally, most schools had the necessary IT infrastructure in place to handle the entire faculty teaching online. Furthermore, most private school families had robust Internet connections and the computers needed to receive digital instruction.
This hub collects all of our articles on the COVID-19 pandemic into one convenient place. We hope that they will be helpful as you plan your children's education.
In this article, we show you where to look for information about school reopening protocols, reopening communications, schools that have closed, and schools with COVID-19 cases, among other COVID-19 related issues. As always, what's important is for you to follow instructions issued by your school, local and state government. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a wealth of information that you should read. But your actions and response to the pandemic are governed by your local government officials.
Cooperate with your school's instructions. Discuss them with your children. Listen carefully to their comments and criticisms. Then explain to them why compliance with all the school's instructions are for their safety and protection. Gently remind them that if they do not follow the school's instructions, they could be asked to leave.
This video looks at the many considerations for opening a school during the pandemic.
Helping Your School During The Pandemic
Now that school has safely reopened, what can we parents do to support and encourage the schools we care about so much? We can do a great many things. Perhaps the most important thing we can do is pay careful attention to the school's instructions. This is easier said than done because we have so many sources of information about the COVID-19 pandemic and how to cope with it. The school has developed its protocols based on a variety of requirements within the school community. Paramount, of course, everyone's safety.
Speak with the school office. Ask how you can help. If you have the financial ability to write a large check to help pay for testing or deep-cleaning, now is the time to do it. Your generosity is both needed and appreciated in these difficult times.
Dealing With The Pandemic: Parents' Concerns About School Reopening
The COVID-19 has turned all of our lives upside down. Sending your children back to school raises all sorts of concerns for their safety and education. We answer some of your questions here. Be sure to direct your specific questions to the school.
This video offers an overview of deep-cleaning.
Post-Pandemic: How Will They Teach?
Teachers and parents are concerned about the teaching that will take place post-pandemic. Obviously, teaching is going to be much different during and after the pandemic than it was before the pandemic struck in early 2020. I have tried to cover their concerns in the following set of questions and answers.
The main thing to understand is that the COVID-19 virus is not going to disappear. It's not like turning off a light. That means that the social-distancing, handwashing, and mask-wearing to which we all have become accustomed most likely will not be going away any time soon. Watch what Bill Gates, who presciently predicted the pandemic years ago, has to say about life after the pandemic. It will help you realize just how profoundly the pandemic has changed our lives. All of us yearn for 'normal,' but the truth is 'normal' as we knew it will not return. The pandemic has transformed schools. And it has changed teaching.
Fortunately, for many reasons, private schools have been quick to adapt to their changing circumstances. But the pandemic has changed education profoundly. Read Schools after COVID-19: From a teaching culture to a learning culture for another take on the subject.
Being A Parent During COVID-19
Our children's education is a critical concern. That's why we elected to send our kids to a private school in the first place. However, this COVID-19 virus is controlling everything. And it will continue to do so indefinitely until we have vaccines to protect us. With that in mind, here are five things you need to do when you are a parent with children in a private school during this horrific pandemic.
This will not be easy to do. Before the pandemic took over our lives, we had comfortable, predictable routines. We sent our kids off to school for the day, and we went off to the office. All of a sudden, we're working at home and supervising our children's online education. It's a new way of living, and it takes a lot of getting used to.
This video discusses the challenges of teaching kids and working from home.
Dealing With The Pandemic: Parents' Concerns About School Reopening
As mentioned several times, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down. Sending your children back to school raises all sorts of concerns for their safety and education. What's very important is that you need to set your children's expectations carefully and sympathetically. None of us like change. Our old routines were very comfortable. Since we will more than likely be spending a lot of time with them sequestered at home, find time to have a thoughtful discussion about things like wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing, and all the other protective measures we all have to take. Be sympathetic with them when they realize that they cannot visit a beloved grandparent or cousin. Until everybody has received a vaccination, those social activities will not be possible.
Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @privateschoolreview
