@bethhill2829 Dr. Mike Robinson: How should we celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
Bethany Hill: November is the month of gratitude. Although we should always be thankful for blessings, the month of November is a time for reflection on people who add value to our world. Thanksgiving 2020 will look different for me and so many others across the country. I recently saw a quote, "Better to have a Zoom Thanksgiving than an ICU Christmas." Who would have ever thought we would have to consider it a health hazard to gather with loved ones? If anything lively surfaces from the pandemic, a great appreciation for health and quality of life is it for me. We must be safe, be smart, and be diligent during our time with loved ones. Wear a mask, wash hands, and give lots of air hugs.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How do you think students' inability to see their family during a time that is all about family will impact them upon returning to school after the break? What should educators do to support their students who may express some sadness about not having the holiday with possibly extended family members? Which may be the same situation during the Christmas season.
Bethany Hill: I think of the families I serve and know that many of them are making difficult decisions about spending their holiday. I live close to an airbase, so we have a high military family population. Those families have relatives who live in various parts of the country or world, and I am sure many will choose to follow safety and health guidelines. I cannot imagine how difficult that is, especially for the families who are so new to the community and know very few people. I expect this will be quite stressful and take an emotional toll on some students and their families, breaking traditions to stay healthy and keep their loved ones healthy. Returning from fall break, we may see an increase in dysregulated students because of the emotional toll from not seeing their loved ones. Educators will be ready to expect this, but many of them will be struggling with the same issues of missing their loved ones and breaking traditions. Empathy and grace will be necessary to give them and to receive them.
Dr. Mike Robinson: To what extent do you think that Social Emotional Learning should occur upon returning from the Thanksgiving holiday and before the winter break?
Bethany Hill: Social, emotional learning must become embedded in everything we do in schools. The holiday seasons are a time of happiness and joy for many and bring sadness to those who are unable to spend time with loved ones. Breaking tradition is painful and can cause feelings of despair and deep sadness. When we return from fall and winter breaks, it will be necessary for teachers to have a way for students to check in with them privately, and if willing, within their classroom community. Allow kids to share parts of their time away from school, what went well, and what didn't. This is a perfect time for the teacher to model empathy and acceptance of the feelings within individuals. Give kids time to talk to their peers, the teacher, or write down their thoughts and experiences. Emotional safety is the priority, second only to physical safety. Without the two, learning won't happen.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How should school districts protect students, teachers, and staff upon returning from Thanksgiving break when there is a possibility of increased exposure due to large family gatherings?
Bethany Hill: Returning from a break will require adults to review procedures and routines for health safety. Mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing will need to be revisited to discuss the how and the why of them. Diligence is a must, even though the review can seem tedious. There may be new students joining after a break, so this is an excellent time for peers to review and teach health safety.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How are you planning to manage the holidays during COVID-19?
Bethany Hill: I have hugged my mother three times since the end of March. That is painful. It is challenging to keep a distance between myself and the people I care about. I am a hugger, and I need hugs. I struggle within my close family, but also at school. Hugs and high fives from kids are day makers for me, and right now, they are very rare because of safety precautions. My coping mechanism is simple; I connect every way I can and do so intentionally. To balance emotionally, that is what I need to do. Through a handwritten note, a voice message, a small treat, a "just because" phone call or email, or gift-giving, I find peace and joy through connections.
Bethany is a teacher who is currently serving as an administrator. During her 21 years in education, she taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. She was a curriculum/academic coach for 3 years, an assistant principal in an K-4 building for 5 years, a principal in a P-4 building for 5 years, and is currently serving as an assistant principal in a P-4 building. All of her service has been in the Cabot School District in Cabot, Arkansas.
Bethany Hill: November is the month of gratitude. Although we should always be thankful for blessings, the month of November is a time for reflection on people who add value to our world. Thanksgiving 2020 will look different for me and so many others across the country. I recently saw a quote, "Better to have a Zoom Thanksgiving than an ICU Christmas." Who would have ever thought we would have to consider it a health hazard to gather with loved ones? If anything lively surfaces from the pandemic, a great appreciation for health and quality of life is it for me. We must be safe, be smart, and be diligent during our time with loved ones. Wear a mask, wash hands, and give lots of air hugs.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How do you think students' inability to see their family during a time that is all about family will impact them upon returning to school after the break? What should educators do to support their students who may express some sadness about not having the holiday with possibly extended family members? Which may be the same situation during the Christmas season.
Bethany Hill: I think of the families I serve and know that many of them are making difficult decisions about spending their holiday. I live close to an airbase, so we have a high military family population. Those families have relatives who live in various parts of the country or world, and I am sure many will choose to follow safety and health guidelines. I cannot imagine how difficult that is, especially for the families who are so new to the community and know very few people. I expect this will be quite stressful and take an emotional toll on some students and their families, breaking traditions to stay healthy and keep their loved ones healthy. Returning from fall break, we may see an increase in dysregulated students because of the emotional toll from not seeing their loved ones. Educators will be ready to expect this, but many of them will be struggling with the same issues of missing their loved ones and breaking traditions. Empathy and grace will be necessary to give them and to receive them.
Dr. Mike Robinson: To what extent do you think that Social Emotional Learning should occur upon returning from the Thanksgiving holiday and before the winter break?
Bethany Hill: Social, emotional learning must become embedded in everything we do in schools. The holiday seasons are a time of happiness and joy for many and bring sadness to those who are unable to spend time with loved ones. Breaking tradition is painful and can cause feelings of despair and deep sadness. When we return from fall and winter breaks, it will be necessary for teachers to have a way for students to check in with them privately, and if willing, within their classroom community. Allow kids to share parts of their time away from school, what went well, and what didn't. This is a perfect time for the teacher to model empathy and acceptance of the feelings within individuals. Give kids time to talk to their peers, the teacher, or write down their thoughts and experiences. Emotional safety is the priority, second only to physical safety. Without the two, learning won't happen.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How should school districts protect students, teachers, and staff upon returning from Thanksgiving break when there is a possibility of increased exposure due to large family gatherings?
Bethany Hill: Returning from a break will require adults to review procedures and routines for health safety. Mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing will need to be revisited to discuss the how and the why of them. Diligence is a must, even though the review can seem tedious. There may be new students joining after a break, so this is an excellent time for peers to review and teach health safety.
Dr. Mike Robinson: How are you planning to manage the holidays during COVID-19?
Bethany Hill: I have hugged my mother three times since the end of March. That is painful. It is challenging to keep a distance between myself and the people I care about. I am a hugger, and I need hugs. I struggle within my close family, but also at school. Hugs and high fives from kids are day makers for me, and right now, they are very rare because of safety precautions. My coping mechanism is simple; I connect every way I can and do so intentionally. To balance emotionally, that is what I need to do. Through a handwritten note, a voice message, a small treat, a "just because" phone call or email, or gift-giving, I find peace and joy through connections.
Bethany is a teacher who is currently serving as an administrator. During her 21 years in education, she taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. She was a curriculum/academic coach for 3 years, an assistant principal in an K-4 building for 5 years, a principal in a P-4 building for 5 years, and is currently serving as an assistant principal in a P-4 building. All of her service has been in the Cabot School District in Cabot, Arkansas.