Am I the only one experiencing a distorted sense of time these past few months? Some weeks feel like they drag on forever, while others race by in the blink of an eye. It feels like only yesterday that we effectively “extended” spring break all the way into June. And, at the same time, we’re already halfway through summer and firmly ensconced in back to school season. Here in British Columbia, the first day of school will be the day after Labour Day: September 8.

That’s just five weeks away. Are we ready?

BC Back to School: The Plan

The whole situation surrounding this pandemic is quite different depending on where you are. So, I can only speak to our own experience here in British Columbia, specifically here in Metro Vancouver. The government of British Columbia announced its return to school plan last week. They’re currently planning for Stage 2 for September 2020.

BC K-12 Return to School COVID-19

At a glance, this means:

  • Full return to in-class instruction for K-12
  • Learning groups: 60 for elementary, 60 for middle, 120 for secondary
  • Maximum instructional time possible within learning group limits
  • Self-directed learning supplements in-class instruction, if required
  • Masks and other PPE are optional
  • Increased spacing between students in classrooms
  • More individual and smaller group activities
  • Limitations on assemblies and other large gatherings, including extracurricular activities
  • Children encouraged to minimize physical contact with friends

Of course, this could all change between now and September 8 when the kids head back to school. The individual school districts are supposed to inform parents of their detailed plan no later than August 26. We should also recognize that schools may slide into the other stages as the COVID-19 situation in BC changes. The “back to school flu” has all new ramifications this year.

A Rock and a Hard Place

To my understanding, the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) is not on board with the government’s plan. In an official statement, the BCTF says that this plan “needs more time and work.” Unsurprisingly, many parents have also voiced their concerns. From what I hear, online and distance learning options are limited at best. And even then, families that can entertain such options (or full-on homeschool) are in a privileged position that many families cannot even consider.

For my part, I can empathize with all those involved. From the government’s perspective, if they decide to keep the schools closed, many parents may not have viable options for childcare. And many parents aren’t prepared to take on that kind of responsibility either. On the flip side, a full-time return to in-classroom instruction introduces a whole series of potential risks too, as you well know. A hybrid model isn’t ideal either, as that comes with all sorts of other complications.

There are no easy answers, nor are there any solutions that will please everyone.

How I Feel About the Situation

I’m conflicted, to put it mildly. When they offered the optional return to school in June, where each class was broken into two cohorts for half-time studies, we opted out. Since she was only in kindergarten and it was only the last month of the school year, the potential risk outweighed the potential benefit for us. At the time, we understand that this wasn’t forever, but this was for now.

Dealing with distance and online learning bled straight into pandemic parenting this summer, though we no longer get the exercises and Zoom calls. She still does a bit of math and spelling in her workbooks, but we know this is no substitute for a “real” education. I’m glad that, even though she’s very outgoing, Addie doesn’t seem to be bothered by the lack of social contact with her school friends, at least so far.

School and school bus

But again, I know this is not sustainable and she should go back to school at some point, even if “school” looks different. It wasn’t that long ago that BC saw single-digit new daily cases of COVID-19. That figure has since ballooned up to about 40 new confirmed cases per day. This has shaken my comfort level, to be sure. That being said, if we were in an area with much higher cases, I’d probably feel a lot more worried.

A full return to a full classroom, 6 hours a day for 5 days a week, feels like a huge leap from where we are today. We’ve only recently expanded our bubble to include a very small number of extended family members, and even then, we’re doing so very cautiously. Physical distancing in the small confines of a classroom is overwhelmingly difficult for adults, let alone a group of young children. And while the “learning groups” might help, they’re not enough.

There should be more to this plan. What that “more” is and how it can be reasonably implemented? I’m not sure. Either way, as it stands, we plan on sending Addie back to school in September.

The “New Normal” Back to School Shopping List?

Since we are sending her back to school, we’ll need to do a bit of shopping. Some items that you may also consider adding to your list for September include:

  • Hand sanitizer: Lots of little bottles, or buy one big one and refill your tiny containers.
  • Face masks: There are lots of reusable cloth masks you can find practically everywhere these days.
  • Full face snorkel: When a simple cloth mask won’t do, like during choir practice.
  • Hockey sticks: To help maintain physical distance, though six-foot poles may be preferable.
  • Electric scooter: So they won’t need to ride the school bus with a bunch of other children.
  • Bento box: Try to find one that comes with a set of utensils that fit inside
  • Art supplies: No sharing means your little learner may need to bring their own

Some (most) of the above items are tongue in cheek. But, maybe they’re not. This so-called “new normal” has introduced all sorts of unexpected changes to our daily routines. We’ve just got to cope as best we can and be prepared to adapt as circumstances change. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary. And it’s not forever, but it is for now.

How do you feel about the planned return to school? Are you thinking about keeping your kids at home? Are you considering the possibility of homeschooling?

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