When COVID hit the US in earnest about a year ago, superintendents everywhere were having to react and pivot (a word I now loathe) on a minute-to-minute basis. Things really were changing that fast.
Amid that, a superintendent mentioned to me that, “When we get to the other side of this covid mountain, not everything is worth bringing across. Some things should stay.” In essence, this is our opportunity — individually and collectively — to make some changes that need to be made and/or to do things differently.
I have thought about this superintendent’s comment quite a bit. Especially lately and as some states really are emerging from the crisis and returning to more normalcy.
Already this school year, and thanks to the federal funds which helped buoy many school systems, some are reassessing what the other side of their mountain looks like. Yes, it can be as simple as keeping that “drive-by” graduation for students. It can also look like adopting a summer school that has far more offerings than remediation — perhaps one that more extends the school year and offers robust course offerings for students.
Now is the time to reassess this. And not just for schools. It’s time for families to do so, too.
After all, nothing is ever all bad. Yes, without a doubt COVID has hit some individuals especially hard, whether it is the actual virus, lost wages, stress or more. But, it has also made us appreciate others more and especially our time with those we love. And, it has made us realize that not everything was working well before. So why would we return to that?
So, as you emerge to the other side of the mountain, figure out what stays and what goes with you. It is yours to shape and determine.
