Workout:
I did not run today. I am still waiting, waiting, waiting for my new treadmill. My 20 year old treadmill died in the spring. With the fickle weather patterns, I finally broke down and made the purchase. I don't see a gym membership in my near future.
I did a weight training workout on the treadmill app that I can currently access. It was a good workout. My heartrate was elevated and I experienced a good amount of sweat. I've been reminded over this past year that adding more variety in my workouts is an essential. As I age, I am finding that I really need balance and flexibilty to remain injury-free.
My daughter headed back to her home in Pennsylvania following an extended stay for the Thanksgving and Christmas holdiays. She coordinates the study aboard program for Dickinson College so she has been working remotely since February 2020. This has provided us with the luxury of spending A LOT of time together over this past year. Freshman and seniors are returning to campus so our time together will once again be limited, but we are both extremely grateful for the wonderful year that we've experienced together.
I return to the classroom tomorrow following a 6 week stint of e-learning. It is extremely confusing and disheartening that our school board and superintendent have made this imptaient decision. Our community, like most, are experiencing a surge upon a surge. Our hospital is at full capacity. Our positive test results are above 95% and deaths are rising.
I prefer my learners to be at school, but safety is currrently more important. I can teach them effectively online. I can not keep them safe at school. There is nothing safe about school plans because there is no way to socially distance learners. I can not teach while separating and constantly disinfecting six and seven year olds.
My distraict's logic to open our doors is based upon the following rationale:
1. District - Other surrounding districts are open. Me - We are the largest district in the area. The core of our district is not rural.
2. District - Elementary students are assymptomatic. Me - COVID individuals, with or without symptoms, still spread the virus. The week my district went to e-learning I had one known student with COVID. The school nurse contact traced 12 of my students. She wanted to contract trace 8 more, but the district said, "No." I had several more positive students during e-learning as a result.
3. District - The spread does not happen at school. Me - If the spread is in the community, it is going to move into our buildings.
4. District - Teachers are essential workers. The vaccine is on its way. Me - No one knows the timeline. No teacher has been vaccinated yet.
Anyway this is my soap box moment. I'll do my best to keep myself and my students safe once again.
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