As of this writing some students in Florid public schools
are still not in class due to the ravages of Hurricane Irma. They will have
missed almost two weeks of class time. For many of these children being in
school is the last thing on their mind. Many families lost their homes and their
possessions. Others are relying in government agencies or charitable organizations
to provide them with food and clothing. One wonders what the phrase “ Getting
back to normal” will mean. I have always
maintained that school is as much a social institution as it is an educational one.
Teachers and classmates will need to come together to serve as a support
network for those suffering from loss. For many, including first- responders
and volunteers, there is the risk of depression and PTSD. They will need
support too. I saw an interview this morning on TV with a couple in Texas, both
who are teachers, and were flooded out for a second time in recent years. What
is to become of them? How can we, the greater education community, come together
to help folks like them?
Somewhere down the road is the new normal. We, as the
education community, will have to find a way to make fractions and parts of
speech relevant again. Until then, stay safe, and be of use.
c.2017 J. Margolis
