Shutting Down (Everything)
I reported to the school campus this morning per the instructions of our school district. To be honest, I was a little nervous about how the process was going to happen. Upon my arrival, I met up with several colleagues in the first-floor hallway and we engaged in small talk. I noticed everyone appeared uncomfortable, kept their distance from one another, and there was no touching or usual greeting (handshake, fist bump, elbow touch, etc.). Afterwards, I sat in my classroom trying to work but it just seemed pointless. At 9:40AM, I met with the social studies department along with the English Language Development team and discussed what we were going to do moving forward. It was decided that a simple lesson plan for the next two weeks would be created with a common due date of April 14th, 2020 for all work. Our supervisor stressed that all of the work we were assigning was not required due to the fact many students did not have access to the internet or computers. This led to some consternation from the older teachers who still believed that students should be held accountable. It was one of the stupidest conversations I have ever been a part of and I’m glad my supervisor put a couple of them in their place. We have no plan moving forward with how to provide online instruction and until that happens; all the teachers need to relax and “stay in their lane”.
During the meeting, we all sat with at least one empty desk separating us and several teachers stood outside opting to keep their space from other persons. I observed those teachers standing in the hallway were the ones wearing protective gloves and masks. The meeting lasted no more than 20 minutes. Walking back to my classroom was like moving through an alternate reality: the hallways were empty, the few people milling around were trying to smile but failed to exude any joy or confidence, and there were no answers to any questions we had. I completed my task of constructing a two-week lesson plan, turned it into my supervisor, and emptied my classroom of all my personal belongings. I personally believe what the Governor said yesterday about the school year being over, yet several of my colleagues are holding out hope; I think they are naïve but if it helps them cope-so be it.
On my way home, I made the mistake of calling my wife and she kept asking me if I was all right. I’m guessing she could hear the hollow monotone inflection in my voice; an echo of what I just experienced at work. I tend to wear my emotions on my shoulder and dealing with my instructional aides who felt an overwhelming need to be a part of the instructional phase along with this whole pandemic fiasco has left me feeling overwhelmed. I wanted to yell out that I’m not all right and probably won’t be until this event is lost in the rear-view mirror of my life so I chose to be silent rather than express my true feelings. I finally made it home and went shopping for a couple of food items. The shelves are even more bare than 24 hours prior. I thought they had said there would be more food coming but maybe this is a lie as well to keep us from completely freaking out. At the end of the day, we had a nice dinner and I watched my oldest daughter complete a 300-piece puzzle. I don’t remember ever seeing her sit down for a couple of hours by herself and engage with a form of entertainment other than her cell phone or television.
At the end of the day, the city of Fresno announced a “shelter in place” order starting at midnight. The city of Clovis has yet to go along with this order but it has to be coming very soon. I looked up what this term means and it varies from city to city, county to county and state to state. Here is how the city of Fresno has defined “shelter in place” related to who can move about and/or stay open for business: ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES (1) Healthcare providers, including doctors, dentists, pharmacies, veterinarians and mental health professionals (2) Utility companies including water, power, cable and internet providers (3) Government services (4) Grocery stores including farmer’s markets, convenience stores, pet supply and drug stores (5) Farming (6) Homeless service providers (7) Media (8) Gas stations and auto repair (9) Banks (10) Hardware stores (11) Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, HVAC (12) Mailing and shipping services (13) Schools, for providing meals and online learning (14) Laundromats and dry cleaners (15) Restaurants, take-out only (16) Office supply stores (17) Transportation providers, including airlines, buses, taxi services and ride shares such as Uber and Lyft (18) Home-based care for seniors, adults and children (19) Residential facilities for seniors, adults and children(20) Professional services including legal and accounting, only as needed to assist with legally mandated activities (21) Childcare facilities, with restrictions NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES (1) Gyms and fitness centers (2) Movie theaters (3) Amusement centers (4) Bars and nightclubs (5) Salons, barbers and day spas(6) Auto sales (7) Other retail (8) Clothing and book stores (9) Industrial and manufacturing not related to essential function.
The simplified version is that those businesses identified as “essential” can continue operating along with allowing employees the freedom of movement to address the work place responsibilities. Any business determined to be “non-essential” has been closed down and employees have been directed to stay home or “shelter in place”.