When Kurt Vonnegut asked his son, Mark, what the meaning of life was, Mark replied, “Father, we are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is.”
We don’t have to tell you that COVID-19 has been a shock to our systems, our routines, and most things we consider safe. Am I the only one holding my breath at the grocery store? Or watching videos on how to best wash my hands? Or hiding from–then later binging–the news?
It seems like everyone is coming out with their own solutions and responses to COVID-19. Social media is saturated with resources for educators, for home-schooling, for productivity, and for self-care. It’s all equally valuable; but it can also feel overwhelming when we are all just doing the best we can.
COVID-19 has put a magnifying glass on our many interconnected systems and the unsung heroes keeping our world spinning. This includes medical professionals, store clerks, sanitary workers, K-12 educators, and many others. GBA’s Green and Healthy Schools Academy (GHSA) promotes sustainability in K-12 schools with educators, administrators, facility professionals, and youth. During this time, we are inspired by the educators who continue to show up for their students, who are doing their best to adapt to their students’ needs, and who are continuing to forge strong connections with them.
Teachers have told us their stories of trying to stay afloat to avoid sinking, troubleshooting technology woes, and juggling the many hats of parent, teacher, caretaker, family member, and friend. Right now, we believe our GHSA support needs to be connection and empathy for our educator heroes, rather than developing another fact sheet or lesson plan. But we can assure you we will be here to help sort through those lesson plans, whenever the time is right.
Coming to terms with our changing world is one that strongly resembles grief and loss, and this is a time to be gentle with ourselves and others. This is the time to give ourselves permission to be imperfect, to pull our little ones (or big ones) a little bit closer and to be human with each other. This is a time for giving and receiving empathy and gratitude.
Starting April 9th from 5-6 pm, GHSA will be hosting a Virtual K-12 Happy Hour series to lightly explore sustainability topics in schools and spend time connecting with other educators. There will be a brief presentation on the topic and then discussion with participants. You’re welcome as you are, whenever you’re ready. We look forward to learning alongside you.
Love,
The Green & Healthy Schools Academy Team
