Reflections: a year of learning through the pandemic by

The amount of students who I feel are trying their best in times of hardships.

2021-06-09 15:26:54 UTC

Maintain parent contacts and asking for parent voice for support.

2021-06-09 15:27:38 UTC

Not great

2021-06-09 15:28:16 UTC

My perspective is the same

2021-06-09 15:28:33 UTC

I just want to introduce different ideas of engageent.

2021-06-09 15:29:23 UTC

Mine have bling

2021-06-09 15:29:44 UTC

I like making interactives.

Depends on the day. A lot of sad days lately.... and a lot of emotional eating as a result of that.

kelleyschottle — 2021-06-09 16:01:56 UTC

Time by myself

2021-06-09 16:01:56 UTC

I'm insanely extroverted, but being quarantined with my husband and baby 24/7 made me appreciate the times I could be still and be by myself. I discovered I'm great company 💜

5 am

danielcalderon3 — 2021-06-09 16:02:15 UTC

While a MAJOR struggle for a while, I realized that mornings with Elena bring me a deep sense of calm, joy, and a feeling of just us in the world. Family matters in sustaining us.

That culture, community, relationships, and learning CAN and DID happen virtually and in deep ways.

2021-06-09 16:02:25 UTC

We have a love hate relationship

2021-06-09 16:02:29 UTC

ashleymcclurg — 2021-06-09 16:02:29 UTC

I'm going to wear mine into stores during cold/flu season from now on! It was nice not to get sick this year.

The students who stepped up and were able to focus so much more without all the distractions of in-person. Some were thriving! Also, the general resilience of our kids. I knew they were tough, but so many have stayed positive throughout all of this.

pearlchan1 — 2021-06-09 16:02:29 UTC

Updating and sharing information with families are so importance to not only support students and families but also build a strong relationship.

aivo1 — 2021-06-09 16:02:30 UTC

salvadorgomez3 — 2021-06-09 16:02:32 UTC

It's okay. I realized this year that I get Sye's when im really stressed. I've had a total of about 5 of them just within the past 4 months. They hurt... SO, because of that, I have been able to tell myself, "alright dude, you got a stye, what are you going to do? STEP BACK!" and i do. <3

Its a suffocating relationship

nathanlommen — 2021-06-09 16:02:46 UTC

The students who are very quiet in class who are hilarious and much more open in the chat.

2021-06-09 16:02:46 UTC

I have realized so much during this last year about different emotions.

2021-06-09 16:02:47 UTC

I like them in cold weather, they keep my nose warm. That's it though.

2021-06-09 16:02:53 UTC

Gardening!

sunnysinco — 2021-06-09 16:02:55 UTC

I feel such a sense of ownership over my little plant-kingdom now, and I love to be able to stop, sit, and enjoy it

I used to think that relationships with staff and students just develop over time but now I see that it is so important to intentionally build those relationships from the start.

2021-06-09 16:03:00 UTC

Opportunity for trying something new

kelleyschottle — 2021-06-09 16:03:04 UTC

Taking on a new challenge or learning has always helped me to move forward and thrive.

Like a rollercoaster but ending on the high part.

erinnishijima — 2021-06-09 16:03:08 UTC

Definitely felt quite uneasy at the beginning of the school year but there were a lot of highs and knowing I can say that I lasted through this year of change is a high for me.

aleastgard — 2021-06-09 16:03:11 UTC

The end of a school year is always bittersweet, but it hits differently this year.

Digital tools and language acquisition to support student learning

2021-06-09 16:03:18 UTC

The mask-nee struggles were real this year.

2021-06-09 16:03:20 UTC

Tech Usage

craigallen — 2021-06-09 16:03:25 UTC

I will incorporate more computer assisted learning in my classes to aid with my learning goals and student's future knowledge.

I am so relieved to be done with this year, more-so than others

2021-06-09 16:03:29 UTC

Flexibility, adaptability, creativity

danielcalderon3 — 2021-06-09 16:03:33 UTC

I wouldn't say surprised, but INSPIRED by how we've grown and how our teachers have been so adaptive and creative facing struggles this year. We had to make adjustments on tight timelines, trust each other, and figure out what we care about the most. We have INCREDIBLE teachers at Cascade!

Complicated

2021-06-09 16:03:38 UTC

The kids in person and I all feel like we're just now getting started, and now it's over. I actually cried at dinner the other day realizing how much it's taken to make this in person learning work and now it's done already.
I also am taking intentional time this summer to stop, rest, and process this last year. With a baby not vaccinated yet, we're not flying anywhere, we're not taking any big trips. We're staying home, reconnecting with family, and trying to find our feet again.

Indoor Gardening

2021-06-09 16:03:40 UTC

I spend this year building an indoor garden for herbs and vegetables and it makes the house smell and look great!

Rest

kimberlytracy — 2021-06-09 16:03:42 UTC

I'm looking forward to truly resting and recharging. Taking a full break of time to come back next year with energy and capacity for whatever the situation is. And so excited to be with more and more students again.

Technology tools and online storage. I'm glad I don't come home with a stack of paper to grade.

lannguyen3 — 2021-06-09 16:03:46 UTC

Teaching a lot of blank screens.

2021-06-09 16:03:50 UTC

Being at home alone, ironically

2021-06-09 16:04:02 UTC

Finding a better balance between teacher talk and students doing. If that makes sense...

2021-06-09 16:04:02 UTC

GREAT

kelleyschottle — 2021-06-09 16:04:02 UTC

I don't like being looked at and I also have RBF so this has been brilliant.

Slowing down

2021-06-09 16:04:10 UTC

Everything moves more slowly during remote learning because of tech issues, etc. but I think that this has helped me think about how I need to pare down my lessons and focus in on a few key ideas. Going deep instead of trying to do all the things.

Did we ever really need that much paper?

robertmckay — 2021-06-09 16:04:14 UTC

I think not... in the future I think paper will be a special creativity tool, not for average tasks. Like how you don't read every BuzzFeed article in print or listen to every new single on vinyl; you save those for the good novels and heavy-rotation albums. Paper will be for when I want deep thinking without distraction; otherwise edtech all the way.

Don't Feel Guilty

erinnishijima — 2021-06-09 16:04:18 UTC

Don't feel bad for needing to set boundaries, prioritizing yourself, asking for help, and taking space away from this profession when needed.

Daring to dream about foreign travel again.

nathanlommen — 2021-06-09 16:04:19 UTC

a soild 5

2021-06-09 16:04:21 UTC

How much our students have been so resilient. Also how much I’ve been able to connect to students online even when I have never seen their face!

jackiwatson — 2021-06-09 16:04:23 UTC

Cautiously optimistic

pearlchan1 — 2021-06-09 16:04:26 UTC

More emphasis and need to rest and recharge v. plan for next year

2021-06-09 16:04:26 UTC

Thankfulness of my time

2021-06-09 16:04:52 UTC

Honoring the beauty of being present and trusting I have all that it takes to heal.

Thanks Butler!

salvadorgomez3 — 2021-06-09 16:04:53 UTC

I took a few masking tips from Butler and now I'm matching a bit more. I'm digging my dressing style this year a bit more! Thanks, Butler!

Time for self-work and growth, building and maintaining deep relationships and connections, slowing down

2021-06-09 16:04:55 UTC

Will be checking further during the summer.

2021-06-09 16:04:58 UTC

i need time for reflexion.

Down on myself

nathanlommen — 2021-06-09 16:05:00 UTC

Down on myself for bad habits I've picked up during the pandemic, like staying up too late & watching too much TV

Highs & Lows. I feel like I finally found a good work/life balance, and I hope that I can find it again in the fall when we transition to being fully in-person. (although I probably shouldn't be thinking that far ahead)

laurenrobisch — 2021-06-09 16:05:13 UTC

Kids were pretty amazing sitting there so long without complaining. Kudos to them!!!

2021-06-09 16:05:24 UTC

SEL and relationships matter before the lessons.

lannguyen3 — 2021-06-09 16:05:33 UTC

Family, relationships

danielcalderon3 — 2021-06-09 16:05:39 UTC

I hope that our staff each takes intentional time this summer for the things outside of school and work that fuel you.

Up and down

2021-06-09 16:05:47 UTC

I don't always feel like I am my best self professionally or at home but I feel like I've stretched and grown in many ways that will become apparent as time goes on.

2021-06-09 16:05:52 UTC

With this pandemic happening, I was able to really dive deep within myself and being able to really take care of myself mentally. That was one of my big goals this year and honestly, I’ve done a really good job to exclude any negativities

Importance of Connection

erinnishijima — 2021-06-09 16:06:16 UTC

Especially with this year being online again, I've felt even more the need and importance for relationship building and connection.

Talking more about the importance of MH

2021-06-09 16:06:24 UTC

Discovering things around my neighborhood on walks! I never really ventured out with that purpose before. Now I love walking around the area, talking to my neighbors.

pearlchan1 — 2021-06-09 16:06:25 UTC

Great

craigallen — 2021-06-09 16:06:30 UTC

Learning Yoga and daily class exercising has taken the edge off. I see the finish line and I am going for it.

Kinda in my own snowglobe

robertmckay — 2021-06-09 16:06:48 UTC

Which is an odd thing to say in June but I think this has kind of put a bubble around me that's pleasant sometimes and worrying at other times. Like I don't go to all the political meetings I used to, which was a big part of my community, and I live in a beautiful, quiet part of Cap Hill that's calming but also really ratchets up my relative deprivation. Realizing I'm halfway through my thirties and well behind where I wanted to be has been a challenge to my Stoic outlook, but a welcome one I guess.

Spending time outdoors. I got to see SO many new things & explore amazing trails. Nature heals the soul.

laurenrobisch — 2021-06-09 16:06:49 UTC

How important it is to take a step back and perhaps just drop a lesson for the day because of what may be going on behind the screen and in the lives of our estudiantes.

salvadorgomez3 — 2021-06-09 16:06:49 UTC

New Units

nathanlommen — 2021-06-09 16:07:06 UTC

I built about 6 new units that I can use whether in pandemic or in person. Like any first try, they can be better--but I'm excited about laying the ground work.

Good and bad.

2021-06-09 16:07:14 UTC

Movement breaks are super important during class.

cameronrobertson — 2021-06-09 16:07:20 UTC

Not just for students, but for staff too.

Sneezing is awkward.

cameronrobertson — 2021-06-09 16:07:54 UTC

Really makes me question what I'm going to eat for lunch that day.

I learned that my ears hurt within a half hour of wearing a mask, so I discovered a neck extender and now I can wear them all day if need be.

christinabrooks — 2021-06-09 16:08:36 UTC

More urgency

robertmckay — 2021-06-09 16:09:02 UTC

So much to get done this summer! There's no coasting; the world and I have to relentlessly iterate and progress now; that's clearer than ever. Immediately that means getting a job and moving toward monetizing my novel IP. But there is just so much to do; I don't know how vacationy I can be in the medium term.

Home life

nathanlommen — 2021-06-09 16:09:08 UTC

We saw dedication and resilience from many students and we also saw so many challenges and responsibilities that face our students at home---you can see how important it is for them to have a space to learn & grow, in-person, at Cascade.

The same perspective

craigallen — 2021-06-09 16:09:11 UTC

Go hard at the beginning, and finish strong.

BLOOKET!

cameronrobertson — 2021-06-09 16:09:21 UTC

Thanks Science team for sharing this site with us! BTW: They just launched a new game mode that's 2nd best to Gold Quest.

Ready for next year

2021-06-09 16:09:32 UTC

This year has flown by and feeling ready for more of a return to normalcy

Working out and having a set time to exercise. Helps clear the mind and doesn't take a lot of thought.

oliviahollenbeck — 2021-06-09 16:09:58 UTC

How few of us left the profession

2021-06-09 16:10:13 UTC

But seriously, though - we've had to completely reinvent our job 3 times this year (initial closure teaching spring 2020, fully remote teaching fall 2020, hybrid teaching spring 2021). I'm so grateful so many of us at Cascade stuck it out and will be here in the fall 💜

OMG

craigallen — 2021-06-09 16:10:21 UTC

Difficulties breathing at times; glasses stay fogged, and its hard to know students faces.

worked on rock painting. then house projects, and began walking the dog more during lock down since that was allowed.

christinabrooks — 2021-06-09 16:10:37 UTC

Wednesdays are way better

nathanlommen — 2021-06-09 16:11:54 UTC