Last Monday morning, my alarm sounded at 4:03 – a little over an hour earlier than I typically rise, but I had a big day in front of me, and I wanted to make the most of the week. As the day progressed, I was getting a lot done, but I felt off. I was sure that it was just because of when I awoke. When the class day ended, I convened our weekly faculty meeting. As the meeting progressed, I felt good about all that we were doing, but thought it crazy that getting up early was making me so tired. We wrapped the meeting, and I packed up my stuff to head home. Just as I passed Concord High, I started to feel chills – and that is when my second bout with COVID kicked into high gear.
My first run in with COVID came rather early in the pandemic. Having lost a few relatives and listened to my younger cousin’s travails in the ICU on oxygen, fear was the primary emotion present when I first encountered this virus. This time around, because I witnessed so many family members, friends, colleagues, and students safely return from a positive test, my response this time was frustration. I could not believe that I had to isolate – and on the week that we had Parents’ Night and Mountain Day. I suppose it speaks volumes to where we have come in the last few years, in that my second positive could be so different from my first.
The pandemic will continue to pose problems for individuals and for the community, and it is important that we continue to be open to new solutions to these new challenges. Last week, in my blog, I asked that we practice patience in allowing students time to develop and this week, I was served a very real reminder of the patience that is required to deal with those things that we cannot control. What I learned this week, is that it is easier to be patient when you trust that those around you are doing all they can to support you in your absence. I am incredibly grateful for all that the faculty did this week, the way that students stayed engaged in class, and for all that our families did in managing unexpected schedule changes.
There was a time when I was petrified to think that a member of the community might contract COVID. Now, I have come to know that it is a likelihood that many members of our community will contract the virus. This week, I have learned through experience that if one tests positive for COVID, they need not worry about school. The BHS community will be there to support them in their absence and in their return.
I never cease to be amazed by the generosity of spirit of The Beech Hill School Community – thank you!