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The School Year Ends, COVID-19 Style

Last updated on November 26, 2023

The end of a school year normally comes with a sigh of relief. Instead, this year ended COVID-19 style, accompanied with anxiety about the future of schools, teachers, and even if our daughters will be on campus in August.

This was our first year in Texas, so both girls were at a new school with new staff and faculty in their lives. The school was attentive to our family’s needs, and the girls made a lot of academic and social progress.

And along came the coronavirus.

The girls lost the great support relationships. Daddy became their teacher, following the basic requirements of the school and supplementing those basic assignments with a fair amount of additional materials.

I’m afraid of the future. I’m worried about what school will be for the girls.

Nationally, K12 districts are trying to limit cuts that hurt students, but difficult choices have to be made.

Special education costs a lot of money, and it is sure to face budget cuts. Art and music will surely face cuts, too, and those programs mean a lot to many students with special needs.

Our daughters receive educational supports through special education. They have invisible disabilities, similar to my autistic traits.

Public education relies on taxes. Obviously, the pandemic has devastated local and state tax revenues. Sales taxes require people shopping. Property taxes are collected alongside mortgage payments.

(As an aside, state colleges and universities do charge tuition, but student tuition doesn’t cover the actual cost of an education.)

Maybe there will be a treatment for COVID-19. Maybe everything will return to normal in the fall.

But, we’re assuming there’s a good chance Daddy will keep right on teaching through the summer and into the fall.

These are scary times to be an educator, parent, or student.

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