August 2020

 August was busy. 

And, because of everything going on, and the uncertainty of how the new school year would begin, it involved a LOT of work on my end. I had to learn a whole new online learning management system called Canvas (which I only knew of it being used at college level), learn how to adapt it for Kindergarten, and then work with my grade level team on how to create content for it. We were essentially learning how to be web designers, online curriculum creators, and had to think through how our Kindergarten tasks could be modified for virtual learning. My district decided that the option would be given to families in our district to learn in-person, or remote, and teachers would be responsible for both options. It was a crazy month to wrap our heads around how to make that work and be ready to launch our school year on August 26. We spent hours upon hours learning new things and working together. It was the craziest August I have ever experienced! 

We also decided, in the middle of that month, to go up north. We hadn't been in 2 years. It was a stressful decision, and while the experience was different and new, there was a familiarity and comfort being up there as well. 

I started school a week before the girls, they didn't go back until September 1st, so we managed to squeeze in some fun. Hoping that next August is less crazy! 

Close, snuggly working buddies

Kindergarten crew... one of our many working days! 

Teams went through our school buildings and spread out our classroom furniture (and moved out some furniture) to follow the COVID distancing rules

Claus being not-so-helpful ;-) 

Blue light blocking glasses for all the time spent in front of the computer

More school work! 

The cottage

Taylor's half birthday gift :) 

New mask :) 

My, very professional, video recording set up for lessons

Ready for the start of school - starting in the hybrid model. I had half of my class in the morning, and half of them in the afternoon. They swapped with my classroom and a virtual learning mentoring classroom with parapros supporting them while they weren't with me. 

Mental breaks - outdoor picnics

Oh these two... they make me smile

Packing new suitcases for MEM CAMP

Again, Claus and Jovie being helpful ;) 

First day of school! Hot and masked! 

One quick one without masks! 

Jovie completely understanding how tired I felt... love her

Cork boat race creating at Mem Camp

Cousin time!