lucille+eloise+beatrice: covid19- week 25 BACK TO SCHOOL!

T’was the night before school starts and my hopes for this year

Are health, and growth, and no virus to fear.

The pleats have been pressed and hung with a blouse

But this year is different, you can feel it through the house.

We’ve been on Spring Break for what seems like forever,

And now we return cause “we’re better together”.

The teachers and staff have worked hard for months

And I haven’t heard a complaint, not even once.

The classrooms are spaced and the numbers are small

And some kids will start on the computer this Fall.

Everyone’s praying this year will be blessed

But it’s hard to not feel just a little bit stressed.

As I packed up the backpacks my head was a clatter,

I ran around the house, my feet pitter patter.

Do I have everything? Where is my list?

I read it out loud to see what I missed.

Now pencils! Now crayons! Now erasers and glue!

And just for this year some new supplies too.

Now masks! Now wipes! Get it all organized,

Water bottles and keychains to keep hands sanitized.

To the hook in mudroom, hang it on the wall,

then pack it up, pack it up, pack it up all!

I think we are ready, at least for the first day,

And know that for YOU I continue to pray.

To the parents, teachers, students, and staff

I wish peace and health on your behalf.

So sleep well tonight and as morning draws near,

Happy 1st day to all, and to all a good year!

the girls get temp checked in the dropoff line before they're allowed to get out of the car in masks, greeting their masked teachers. they have their own 6ft apart desk areas where they store all of their belongings in a tub [no backpack cubbies this year], and this is also where they eat lunch. while eating, their masks are off so they're not allowed to talk during this time- which really hurts my heart for them. but this is a great time for the teachers to put on some sort of educational video so the kids can focus on eating rather than discussing the day's events with their friends! they have one "special" every day, and for now, this special changes from week to week rather than day to day. gym class is both of their favorites- they love the games and running around with their friends. masks aren't worn in gym class unless they're inside, so these distanced games are such awesome "mask breaks" for them.

truthfully, our girls are so so so happy to be in school, and i've seen a spark in their eyes that i have so missed. both lucy and eloise are total "school kids"- they love the independence, peer interactions and learning new skills that all come with being in-person at their school. to say they're thrilled to be back is a huge understatement, and we are so thankful for the tireless efforts of our school staff making this year happen as close to "normal" as possible for our kids. hearing eloise gush about her classroom job, and lucy beam as she tells me about the praise note her teacher gave her ensures that never have i been so grateful to write our tuition check and make this 2020-2021 school year happen within the walls of our school building. praying always for continued health- mental, emotional and physical for all.

and bea isn't sad about her new daytime status-

betsy had her own meet the teacher, which was super exciting! she is sooo pumped to be in mrs sharp's four year old preschool class just like sissies :)