It is funny, I started this post last summer! Summer 2019!! I never got around to finishing it, although summer break is when I usually want to work on my writing. At the very least I spend a lot of time reading. (so far since June, I have only completed 3 books) Now it is Summer 2020, and my thinking on summer is completely different thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

At least my house still looks exactly the same. Same azalea’s blooming, same state flag flying in the breeze. We love our flag here in Maryland.

Most of the talk between my colleagues and on the news is about the re-opening of schools. When will it happen, should it happen, how will it happen? Lot’s of folks weighing in on the different ideas that are floating around there. The President has made his opinion very clear. The US Department of Education Secretary has made her opinion very clear. The CDC has waffled on the idea, bowing to the opinion of the President. My state has a document, and my district has the beginnings of a plan. But so far, that is all we have. Just ideas.

The Trump Administration has been working on every front to support America’s students during the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/O8aNErlNYz

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 7, 2020

The @WhiteHouse Coronavirus Task Force met today to discuss the impact of closed schools on millions of American families & a path forward for reopening America’s schools this fall. For our kids development, our working families, and our economy, we MUST Open Up Schools Again! pic.twitter.com/PAVunK6KX5

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) July 8, 2020

In my head I have been thinking about how things will have to look differently when/if we return to school. All doors propped open? Desks and lab benches wiped between classes? Gloves for students? Masks for everyone. What will labs look like? Can we do labs? What about a student that is only online? Will teachers be asked to do more cleaning? What happens if someone tests positive in the school?

Too much swirling around up there this summer.