I think a lot of us remember the game pick-up sticks from when we were kids. And when I think of the game, there’s a certain metaphor between that and the reopening of our schools.

Now that we’re at the end of the first week (and it’s amazing how fast it flew by), I’m reflecting on how much planning went into reopening our schools and how much we continue to plan. Just like in pick-up sticks, we’ve been strategic and slow in our preparation, knowing that one move can easily lead to multiple outcomes.

Every decision we’ve made and continue to make can influence so many different variables, and we approach each day knowing that.

On the flip side, our students have been amazing this week as they’ve adhered to our mask and social distancing policies, and seeing that makes me recognize all the planning was worth it. There’s a tangible energy in our buildings because I’m realizing our students and staff are truly happy to be back and interacting with each other.

But our planning isn’t done yet.

We continue to evaluate our decisions and try to improve the plan that has already gotten us this far. It’s important that we didn’t just work to reopen schools, but we continue to make efforts and give our best so that they stay open.

We know that any move we make can easily influence 10 different things. That’s why district leaders have not and will not let their guard down as we move strategically and methodically through the school year.

The payoff has already been astronomical.

Why?

Because we were all lucky enough to see the faces of our students on Sept. 8. You could see the smiles; even with their masks on.

posted Sep. 11, 2020