We are seven months into the year 2020, and what a year it has been. From the death of my brother, COVID19, BLM, its an election year, and I have elementary-aged kids. Which means I am asking the question all parents are asking themselves right now, “Will I send my kids back to school?”
Last March, we found ourselves thrust into a school at home situation. It made sense; we wanted as a society wanted to flatten the curve from COVID-19, and we ultimately didn’t know if it was safe. I love to err on the side of caution. I was all for pulling my kids out. As I mentioned above, I was still dealing with the surprise loss of my brother, and my heart couldn’t take anymore ache.

Now, we have been home, and its time for back to school. I spent the month of July in a near panic attack trying to figure out what was right for kids. It’s a tough time to be a parent right now. I feel like no matter what, there is this sense: “Will the other parents judge me?” “Will my choice be accepted?” “Will I have to defend myself every time I talk to another parent?” Why do we, as people, get in our heads so much and overthink everything? Please tell me I am not alone in this? Please tell me you have overthought this.

After speaking with our pediatrician, it became clear that we would be at doing school at home this year. We will be using Utah Connections Academy to help us. Utah Connections Academy is a public, charter, online school located in Woods Cross, UT. It has 1,134 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 40 to 1. My kids will be meeting with their teachers online for lessons. I will also help them with their school lessons.
I have been asked why I chose this and not just opt into our district’s virtual learning. Ultimately, I wanted something stable, and that wasn’t thrown together over summer. My oldest needs this; she thrives when things are steady and stable.

The next question I get asked is, “Are you nervous?” The answer is YES! I have a degree in teaching, and I have taught in the public school system. I never thought that I would ever choose anything different for my children, other than public education. I want my kids to be healthy, both mentally and physically. My husband is my rock, and his trust in me gives me faith that this can be done, and it can be done well. We are a team, and we will meet the challenges together, and it will be okay. Now, If you are reading this, you get to be apart of this journey.

I have the support to make this decision. Everyone is in a different situation. Maybe you have to send your kids back full-time; maybe you have chosen to do virtual learning, perhaps you are doing a hybrid method, perhaps you have decided to just homeschool. We need to support each other, it has already been and a hard year lets come together and help each other succeed. Kindness and understanding can go a long way right now.