It’s the most wonderful time of the year – no, not that time of year yet…it’s back to school season! Children and families all around the country are excited to get back to a bit of “normal” (whatever that means these days). With the end of summer brings new beginnings and a fresh start, as well as what parents are hoping will be a full year of safe in-person learning!
For many, this is now the third year of school during a pandemic. Since the spring of 2020, some of us have juggled the responsibilities of working full-time jobs and overseeing remote learning for our children. In March of 2020 I was creating color coded schedules for my kids and pinning sensory activities that I thought we would be doing on a daily basis. Fast forward a few weeks and suddenly we were having quite a few ‘technology classes’ if you know what I mean.
While we can’t predict the future, one thing we know for sure is that our kids are resilient! Whatever challenges this year may bring, we will rise up to meet them just as our kiddos have done. The lunches are packed, the new shoes have been purchased, and all that’s left to do now is celebrate our hard earned freedom! We asked some of our BOCA team members to share what this transition looks like for their family this year. One thing we all have in common is an appreciation for our teachers and the consensus that teaching our children is not for the faint of heart!
Kathleen Shanahan, Founder
I am beyond fortunate as I had a pod last year. I am blessed with a community of amazing families that pulled together to create an “as normal” experience for our children during a time of uncertainty and limited to no predictability. My children loved their “pod” experience. You know what they love more though, going back to school. School provides structure and learning with friends. My youngest daughter, six, went back to her first ever real school experience. My oldest daughter, 11, returned to a middle school with periods. They are both incredibly happy. Happy children make for a happy mommy.
Lauren Brown, Writer
This year is very exciting for my family because we are sending off 2 of our 3 children to school both in-person and on time! The wild thing is that my boys have yet to experience a “true” school year unaffected by Covid. I’m hopeful that this year will be full of fun and growth for them and excited for the break it provides me to focus on my own goals.
Brittney Timmins, Account Manager
My son started at his first ever “school” this year – a Montessori program for toddlers in our town. He was just four months old when everything shut down in March 2020, so I was worried he would be upset about leaving home, but he’s loved making new friends and experiencing new things. And I’ve loved watching him grow and seeing how excited he is to see his teacher and friends, plus the uninterrupted work time is pretty great too.
Taylor Byers, Account Supervisor
One of my three nieces started her sophomore year of high school this year, which was quite the reality check for me – I’m just getting older! I watched her go through her freshman year virtually and, even though she didn’t seem too bothered by it, it was hard for me to comprehend what that must have been like since I know what a pivotal year that can be for people in making new friends, participating in activities, etc. Now that she is finally able to attend school in person, she’s already performed the National Anthem at her school’s first football game and is headed to Homecoming soon – she makes me so proud and I can’t wait to see what else she accomplishes!