The 2019-2020 school year is not one I am likely to ever forget!
The fall was marked with tragedy, and we all thought winter vacation would be a good reset button for the school year. On January 1, a fire suppression pipe burst upstairs and flooded the entire side of the school. Luckily, my classroom didn't see a ton of damage; however, the school was closed the entire month of January to tear out carpet, sheetrock, ceiling...
We were back in school for exactly five and a half weeks before COVID-19 shut schools down on Friday, March 13. It was beyond heartbreaking for me. My class had been so blessed by family and friends. My students were really hitting their stride and doing some amazing things for 3rd graders. We were just starting my favorite science and social studies units for the year...and it just evaporated. We cannot do distance learning on the computers because there is virtually no internet throughout the village beyond cell data for social media. I never got to say a proper goodbye to my little learners. We didn't get to have our Earth Day party or have our monthly growth/achievement celebrations.
In early April, there was an issue with the water system, and teacher housing was without running water for a week. No showers, no toilets, no water to drink...nothing. There was a lot of getting snow to melt, hauling water from the washeteria...not something I care to experience again!
Ravn, the larger rural air service here, declared bankruptcy and shut down without warning. Major airlines slashed flights. My flights home changed four times before I finally accepted that I was receiving a very clear message that I was not going to be able to see my family this summer. The construction company here putting our school back together. I've been volunteering in the office and taking a million online professional development classes. I also have been working to bridge the school wifi to teacher housing, which is a much welcome addition.
This year has definitely been one for the books! I plan on staying in 3rd grade this year, though class will look VERY different this year because of social distancing regulations. I've been sharing more pictures on my social media of classroom things this year, and next year I hope to finally get good at regular posts here.
