Grandmother (far left), orphaned at the age of 5 in 1918 by the flu pandemic
Today marks 140 days of staying home. My husband and I haven't gone anywhere. I literally saw cobwebs on my car the other day when I went into the garage. I have so much to say on the topic of reopening schools. My summer has been filled with anxiety. I've had nightmares. I watch the data, listen to the experts, and read research on COVID-19. We need to take this pandemic seriously. There is too much we don't know about the long-term effects of this disease but there is enough known to be alarmed.
Artsonia Podcast Interview
Public Comments on Reopening Schools
Message to the school board in support of remote learning
In 1918 my grandmother was 5 years old. She was one of 8 siblings orphaned when my great grandparents died during the flu pandemic as it swept through Chicago.
She grew up to have 4 children, one of which was my father who I haven't seen since we began sheltering 140 days ago. My husband and I have been adhering to a strict protocol since many in my family are at high risk.
I am an elementary art teacher in the district. I love working with my students, nurturing the creation process, and being in such a joyful creative environment. But, I’m so thankful that D25 is proposing that we begin the school year with the safest solution possible, remote learning.
I have played out scenarios in my mind of how I could be infected unknowingly by an asymptomatic student entering my classroom by sharing the same breathing space now that researchers have shown that COVID-19 is airborne. Symptoms may not materialize until after I’ve seen all 500 students that week. By the time my test results return, all students may have brought the virus to their homes possibly infecting their loved ones.
All our good work of sheltering these long months, all the self-denial, and all the extra efforts we have made to be safe from this contagious virus will be for nothing if our loved ones become sick with a disease that may have life-long consequences. Researchers who have studied MRI’s of both symptomatic and asymptomatic covid cases have found heart or lung damage for both adults and children.
Together I’m confident we can find a way to creatively problem-solve the obstacles of remote learning and in doing so, grow stronger as a community, stay healthy, and avoid repeating my family’s history.
She grew up to have 4 children, one of which was my father who I haven't seen since we began sheltering 140 days ago. My husband and I have been adhering to a strict protocol since many in my family are at high risk.
I am an elementary art teacher in the district. I love working with my students, nurturing the creation process, and being in such a joyful creative environment. But, I’m so thankful that D25 is proposing that we begin the school year with the safest solution possible, remote learning.
I have played out scenarios in my mind of how I could be infected unknowingly by an asymptomatic student entering my classroom by sharing the same breathing space now that researchers have shown that COVID-19 is airborne. Symptoms may not materialize until after I’ve seen all 500 students that week. By the time my test results return, all students may have brought the virus to their homes possibly infecting their loved ones.
All our good work of sheltering these long months, all the self-denial, and all the extra efforts we have made to be safe from this contagious virus will be for nothing if our loved ones become sick with a disease that may have life-long consequences. Researchers who have studied MRI’s of both symptomatic and asymptomatic covid cases have found heart or lung damage for both adults and children.
Together I’m confident we can find a way to creatively problem-solve the obstacles of remote learning and in doing so, grow stronger as a community, stay healthy, and avoid repeating my family’s history.
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