WHEN fireworks illuminated the night sky on Dec. 31, 2019, nobody knew what 2020 had in store for us.
The arrival of Covid-19 meant life took a turn upside-down, and what we considered normal was changed for the foreseeable future. As lockdowns continue and the world is still into social distancing, we realize it is our little ones, our children, who are perhaps suffering the most.
Rosemarie Embile
Education amid the lockdown
For many students, social distancing means studying behind screens. They have to remain at home with no friends, classmates, or teachers around.
To comply with the safety measures, schools have embraced technology by offering online discussions and virtual assessments.
We understand how difficult it is for our students, especially those with no siblings, and those with working parents.
Daily routines have been disturbed and many parents cannot devote more time to their children’s online studies.
Online learning has also taken a toll on socializing and collaborating on group projects which are supposed to help build teamwork.
Schooltime for many kids now means screen-time. They, however, still crave for social interaction, meeting their friends, and one-on-one learning with their teachers.
Fortunately, circumstances seem to be changing in this new year.
Our island remains safe and Covid-19 vaccines have arrived. Many schools are eager to return to classroom-based learning.
There is a need to return to normalcy and enhance our students’ mental well-being. Allowing them to again interact with their teachers, classmates and friends will make everyone happy.
Of course, the health and safety of students remain a top priority.
Schools will continue to comply with the Covid-19 protocols.
• Washing hands has become a classroom rule.
• The six-foot distance rule applies.
• Masks are mandatory.
• Hygiene and sanitation are ensured.
2021 is a year of renewed hope for all of us, and we are optimistic that we are hopefully nearing the end of these worrisome times.
The pandemic has taught us resilience in the face of uncertainty. Teachers, faculty, students and parents embraced the new normal and learned how to best serve our students in the midst of a pandemic.
We’re all in this together, and we have to support each other. We will remain positive as we face these unprecedented times with more courage and strength.
The writer is a teacher at Northern Marianas International School.
