Distance Learning Day One

 I am attempting to journal Madison's "Distance Learning" Experience.  Some of this is just for kicks and memories, but I have also been advised to document this experience from a Special Ed advocate.  I can't complain that it TOTALLY DOESN'T WORK without documentation.  So while this should probably be private, putting it on this public blog might encourage me to keep up with it.  And if I get a little help and encouragement from all of you, that might be helpful too.  ;-)

Please understand...  The incredible effort of the district and teachers is not going unnoticed.  I am SO IMPRESSED and have a huge appreciation of what educators are attempting to pull off  at this moment in history.  And regardless of my personal views on COVID and the unanticipated mental health and developmental issues that our "shelter in place" are causing, I am in awe of the creativity of our society, our businesses, and our education system.  However, I do have a strong opinion on how our Special Ed students should be handled during all of this.  It would be SO easy to accommodate these students with in-person learning with proper social distancing, masks, blah blah blah.  But the districts' hands are tied because of the mandates set forth by the state and the teacher's union is not helping ONE BIT.

And all that being said... Regardless of what I say below, I am trying my VERY VERY hardest to remain positive in front of Madison.  I am trying to help her see the silver lining in all of this (School in your pajamas!  I don't have to do your hair!  I don't have to put your leg braces on!, etc.)  So I am waking up with a smile and putting my best face forward for this girl.  Promise.

So here goes.

Day 1

8:30:  Log on to the "District Kickoff".  Why a district of 30,000 students thought that their systems could handle all 30,000 students logging on simultaneously at a very specific time would work is beyond me.  Maddie was super excited for her day.  But this is what we were greeted with:

Thus...  Temper Tantrum #1:

Tantrum ensued, and I got an unexpected apology around 9:00.  That was good, as first period was scheduled to start at 9:15.

Here is Maddie's schedule, just for reference.  You might be slightly confused by it.  Maddie is totally on board with it.  😂

9:15-10:35:  Period one.  (Yes, they are running 80 minute block schedule periods)  All student's mics were on, things were a bit out of control, but Maddie was happy to see her teacher.  But there was a lot of squealing on Maddie's part.  I tried to mute her, even though the teacher wanted her mic on, thus...  temper tantrum #2:

This was kind of a work-out-the kinks 80 minutes.  I don't remember the timing of or context of temper tantrum three, but this one was solid:

10:45-11:45:  Lunch Break.   Good thing Savannah was home...   I had to facilitate a parent orientation for my school via Zoom from 10:45 - 1:00.  She took solid care of Madison during this time, and I am SO grateful for her help!!!

11:45-1:05:  Period 2.  I was still unavailable to supervise, but Savannah got Madison logged on to 2nd period.  I'm not quite sure how this went; I just heard a lot of squealing.  Cute, but not appropriate and not easily controlled.

1:10-2:30:  Period 3.  New reading teacher for Madison, but she knew of him and was SUPER excited to see him.  But, his video wasn't working and she was super bummed she couldn't ACTUALLY see him.  He went over some basics and some rules, and explained some things about printing work out and submitting work on google docs.  That is not something that is in Madison's wheel house right now.  We'll figure this out, but she is only able to participate in this class because of some pretty solid modifications that I haven't been schooled on yet.

I tried to sneak some video of her during this time.  She wasn't thrilled about that.  😆

So, all in all, the day wasn't TERRIBLE...  The potential for learning is SLIM, but I will try to keep an open mind.

It's important to understand, that because of Madison's very unique educational needs, she has a one-on-one paraprofessional assigned to her throughout her entire school day.  She can not access her curriculum, her learning, her accommodations, etc. without this very unique support which we are incredibly grateful for.  This support has not even been addressed for "distance learning".  We have no understanding of how this support will be delivered to Madison during this unique time.  But we DO know that paraprofessionals ARE reporting to work each day, but we have not heard how their paid work at the schools will benefit students like Madison.

But on an incredibly positive note...  Madison received a visit from a VERY special visitor who took her for a drive for a special treat, hung out with her at home, and styled her hair.  THIS kind of stuff is what is going to get us through.

And just for a little perspective and to put a little salt in the wound, THIS was Madison's first day of school last year:

So sad.  What a difference a year makes.