SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – After five months of having her two kids at home, Maria Piltzer was hoping she could close down their make-shift classroom when they returned to their real school in the fall. But that may not happen any time soon.
“It’s been a roller coaster and it’s continuing. The other night my daughter said, 'I wish I could go back to school.' And now we’re wondering if we’re facing another few months of digital learning or if we’re going to start this hybrid blended schedule.”
The two options the Saugus Union School District is considering for its 15 elementary schools and 10,000 students are an all-online curriculum, or what’s being called a 'blended curriculum,' where students alternate attending school in-person two days a week and the other three days are at home online.
Piltzer is hoping for the blended model option for a number of reasons.
“I can only teach them so much. I can’t teach them how to be a good friend. I can’t teach them disappointment. Or having a mentor other than myself. Those are bonds they form in school,” she said.
Piltzer and her family go on weekly bike rides with one other family that she knows is vigilant about social distancing and hand washing in the same way her family is. But that’s been the only real interaction with others that they’ve had in months.
She has some concerns about her kids being around children whose parents may not be following Covid-19 safety protocols outside of the classroom. But she thinks the schools will have strict procedures in place for students and teachers. The benefits to her kids of being social again and getting out of the house outweigh a little angst on her part.
Her 11-year-old daughter Emma says even a fun tent set up in the backyard doesn’t replace the bonds she has at school.
“I think it’s been an experience, but I definitely miss the classroom experience. I miss my teacher and my friends,” she said.
Her 9-year-old brother Sam says going to school is about more than just learning about subjects like math or science.
“It’s not about just the school. It’s about experience for growing up. So you have experience when you’re an adult,” Sam said.
Piltzer says she’ll accept whatever curriculum the district chooses.
“They’re ready to go back and I have confidence in the district that they’re going to do their best to keep everybody safe. But if they feel that it’s not safe and we’re doing digital learning, then we know we’re ready. We just have to keep being positive and staying connected to our school community as much as we can,” she said.
Whether they will be at home full-time or part-time this fall, the increased family time won’t be ending anytime soon.