I began the week of March 9, not too concerned about Coronavirus. I knew that it was a problem, but here in northeast Indiana, things were still pretty much business as usual.
On Wednesday, a district-wide training was cancelled to be replaced by a staff meeting. The message? Start preparing your kids with the materials they will need if we close schools. All of a sudden, I started to stress. (Especially since I was receiving the message through email and text messages because I was off for a medical appointment day.)
When Thursday began, I met a classroom full of worried fifth grade children. They knew something was going on, but couldn't completely process it. We talked a little about what would happen if schools were to close, and we made a list of "everyday" items that needed to go home. When we left on Thursday, we planned to be there on Friday, but weren't sure.
Friday began with the energy of the last day before summer vacation. The kids were wired, the teachers were stressed, and there were a million unanswered questions. I tried to teach a normal day, but we did make "just in case" bags during our morning lessons. I had each child pack notebook paper, typing paper, brand new (sharpened) pencils, art supplies, and a few books into a bag that would be their "just in case" bag going forward. That was around 10:00 a.m.
At 1:30, the staff of my district got the official email. We will be closing effective Monday until April 10th. We will reopen on April 13th.
My students were in the middle of a writing prompt, so I made a list and cut them off a little early. When I shared the news, the kids' faces were just blank. I think they "knew" it was coming, but they didn't actually expect it.
We packed up as many things as we could, gave hugs goodbye, and they went home.
It was an emotional roller coaster of a day.
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