02/11/2021
So next week my daughter's school reopens for in-person learning, following a hybrid schedule. Personally I'm torn on sending her back. On the one hand she's really thrived working from home, even while splitting her time one week at my place, and the next at her mom's. On the other hand, my heart aches for all the 5th grade experiences she's missing out on: finally being atop the elementary school food chain; the wonderful 5th grade customs and traditions at her school; the personal connections with her friends and teachers. Her mom and I have discussed it and we've relented to her wishes to go back. We put our trust in the school to keep her safe, to follow guidelines, to teach her in the best way possible. It's been a journey getting a front seat view of her schooling for almost a full year, and having a virtual classroom full of kids amplified through your house as you try to talk on the phone, write emails, read contracts, and hold your own Zoom meetings... I envy a little the Gill-Harvey family, who I photographed back in September; they had the wonderful idea of converting their detached garage into a mini-schoolhouse for their three kids. This may look like a staged photo (and to be fair, I did set up lights all over the place to do this), but those kids were in the middle of their schoolday while this photo shoot went on. Each one with headsets, laptops, and their impressive concentration. I did get to answer several smart and curious questions during their breaks, leading me to believe they've been learning just fine in this new "school" environment. Please be sure to read all about it in "Homeschool Confidential" by in at https://t.co/kf8zognXCI.
