School is Out

We made it! A full school year is complete despite the challenges that COVID-19 wanted to throw at us. The year was confusing and draining at times. Everyone had to adjust frequently with half of the year spent fully remote and a quarter of the time in a hybrid schedule before finally returning to their campuses for the last quarter of the year. What a whirlwind. The kids definitely grew in more than just academic ways this year.

final day, first day

final day, first day

On the last Monday of the year, Alex was excited about a movie and popsicle party with his class. Sadly, Debbie was called not long after school started to come back and pick him up. Alex had been in close contact with a classmate who had tested positive the previous Friday. With instructions for a 10-day isolation period, Debbie drove back to the school disappointed that he'd miss all the fun things that happen the last week of school. As it turned out one of Alex's friends was also being sent home. As Debbie talked with the other mom they realized that the two boys could isolate together. Debbie brought both boys back to the house and they spent the rest of the day playing. We found out later that if Alex had proof of a negative test he'd be allowed to return to school for the last two days: field day and a half-day. We had his friend over the next day for isolation (Debbie made them do a little bit of reading and math), his regular distance Wednesday, and then he was back on campus Thursday. Alex was so happy that he was able to complete the year with his teacher and class at school.

On the last day of school, Abby and Alex celebrated with the neighbor kids. They had homemade milkshakes that Debbie made as well as a bit of hide-n-seek and yard play.

On the weekend Abby had a swim meet. This time Debbie was a volunteer timekeeper. Debbie had more fun than expected and really enjoyed watching Abby compete. Unfortunately, Abby was disqualified from her relay event because one of the other swimmers performed the wrong stroke. Abby swam well though and set personal records in some of her other events.