Pandemic a time of challenge, resiliency
Tecumseh Local students returned to full-time, in-person learning the week of March 1st. This marks almost an entire year since our schools were filled with the typical and joyous sound of students. We certainly didn’t fathom a two-week closure would morph into a year-long journey as our nation, state and district navigated the many challenges of a pandemic.
The COVID-19 journey proved challenging for our students, teachers, support staff and families, yet the resilience, tenacity, and flexibility given by all during this time has been immense. Our educators maneuvered through a gamut of learning plans from the initial school closure last March to present day. They adapted to remote learning essentially overnight as Governor DeWine announced school closures effective last March. Summer months were filled with a continued acclimation to Google Classroom, a platform to engage and teach students remotely. Blended learning replaced virtual learning the second quarter of the school year as students began attending two days a week in separate cohorts. Our educators, as well as educators throughout the nation should be commended for their efforts.
Our support staff excelled and continue to excel at their duties throughout the pandemic as well. Great effort continued to be made to offer meals to our students throughout the year during the virtual and blended learning by our bus drivers, child nutrition personnel and other support staff. Our custodians committed to additional cleaning and sanitizing as we garnered how best to keep our schools safe for our students and staff.
The parents in our district had many challenges associated with their children learning remotely and through blended learning. Many had to alter their own work schedules or find alternative means of childcare. We are beyond grateful for their efforts. Our students adjusted and adapted to frequent changes and disappointments as the pandemic continued into a new school year. They have exhibited perseverance through this unique experience.
We are ecstatic to navigate back to what we know as normal. Thankfully, we are beginning to plan for traditional events such as prom, graduation, and field trips. It looks promising as we head into spring. We are certainly looking forward to a time when social distancing and mask wearing is no longer necessary. A time when students can work freely in collaborative groups. A time when we are back to what we know as “school.” A time when we can look at this unprecedented time in education in the rearview mirror.