A New Normal

Things have changed around the world due to COVID-19. Especially for our schools! Schools in my hometown have shut down for the year and I recently saw that many schools in Colorado have also closed down. Here are some changes being experienced at BFA and in our little corner of Germany.

BFA made an announcement as we transitioned into remote learning that we would continue to provide the best education we possibly can in this unique situation. Many of our dorm students have returned "home" and will not be returning this year as they are spread throughout the world. Some of our dorm students were not able to get home and spent their Spring Break with their dorm families. High school students will begin transitioning back to having school on campus starting with our Juniors and Seniors on May 4th of next week. School will be different as they will be required to wear masks during passing periods in the hallways, have to keep at least 1.5 meters of distance from their peers and will leave as soon as school is done for the day. There are no after-school activities; small groups, sports (The Spring season of soccer and track were cancelled), meetings, etc.  Yet, it is important for our students to be able to return to some semblance of "normal." There is still conversation as to when the Sophomores and Freshmen can return. End-of-year activities like the Junior/Senior Banquet (JSB) has been cancelled but graduation is still being determined. The high school is looking for ways we can honor our Seniors in spite of a different year.

For our middle school, we have a few students who are living in France or Switzerland and typically take the bus into school on a normal day. As our borders closed, they were unable to come back to school and then our school building closed it's doors soon after. We began our remote learning at the end of March. We spent out last week before Spring Break having a digital Spirit Week where our students and teachers posted pictures of themselves with their pets, current book, wellness activity and something they are thankful for. The picture above is our Pet Day. As of this point, middle school students will not be returning to the classroom. Some of our middle school teachers are working from home while others are working from the school. I walk into school everyday and teach from my desk in my office.

For our little town of Kandern, all shops were closed several weeks ago and have just started opening up again last week. Going to the grocery store has new guidelines; stay 1.5 to 2 meters from others, only so many people in some grocery stores at a time, everyone uses a cart, disinfect the cart and hands and starting this week...wearing masks. As just stated, stores are opening up again but have specific regulations for how many people can be inside depending on the size of the shopping area. Along with the shopping rules, no more than 2 people can meet up at one time. Fines are handed out if a group of 3 or more are caught. I am very thankful that the garden stores are open so I can play in the dirt! The family living below me has a garden outside and are sharing some of their garden space with me! I have been watching YouTube videos and have been planting and planning.

Life is different but life has been good at the same time. Spending my days planning and teaching my students is such a blessing! I am very thankful for where God has placed me.
Here are some more photos of our Spirit Week! Enjoy!
Monday (above) was Pet Day. Tuesday was reading day; share a pic of what you are currently reading. Wednesday was wellness day; get outside and catch some sun! Thursday was giving thanks.