Dear Editor,
While we all sit in freneticism of the ongoing pandemic, many of us are urging to return to normalcy. However, the reality makes it clear that what was normal will never be normal again.
As we gradually get into this new routine of “normal”, where protocols have been implemented at the various establishments, one that seems to be hanging with a huge grey cloud over its head is the reopening of schools. A fearful reality for some, whilst a Halleluyah for others.
Whilst many school boards have reopened based on what they deem as the fair and safest way to do such, the question remains as to how much input the Minister of Education has into enforcing that indeed it is the safest way, taking into account the necessary precautions that are required island-wide by every other establishment.
It is baffling to imagine that the public expect schools’ on-site staff to be able ensure that COVID-19 will not be a part of the environment. Furthermore, whilst some boards have taken the precaution to accept their students on a 50/50 alternating basis, unfortunately there are other boards who have blatantly chosen to receive all students per class on their school premises, classes comprising 24-30 students in many cases. People, do you really think that the manpower of a few teachers versus hundreds of students can oversee the social distancing and constant handwashing of its pupils, especially to a group that is in the phases of learning to “follow instructions” and “follow routines”?
Additionally, the matter of mask-wearing, whilst some may disagree that students should wear masks, the reality is that many students, as old as high schoolers, even adults at times, cough, sneeze, some even “hawk up” cold, without covering their mouths. Furthermore, though students (at primary level) are considered not to be a target group for COVID-19, however can be carriers, what about their teachers … who cares for them? Does the government, the boards, the parents? What happens when an onsite staff member contracts COVID-19 due to loosely implemented COVID-19 safety protocols?
Now let’s analyze some possible school facts.
Unlike many establishments, where the Covid-19 Safety protocols may be manageable, a school houses its students for 5-6 consecutive hours, simultaneous populations of minimum 100 students at a time. And, yes, whilst other establishments are able to implement and enforce the social distancing, the mask wearing, and the handwashing, have we really thought about what this means for a school environment in St. Maarten per se?
Social distancing:
How many students can actually fit in a classroom, whilst adhering to the 6-feet social distancing guideline?
Can they have actual interaction, other than talking, with the mates? What does a recess look like? Do you really believe it is a social distanced one?
Mask wearing:
Students and teachers should wear masks all day. No wait, students should not be required to wear masks, they are not susceptible, but can be carriers. No wait, the students should wear masks, they are the potential carriers, excuse the teacher, they practically use their mouth (for 5-6 hours a day). No wait, neither should wear mask … the endless discussion of the school mask wearing protocol.
Now some “in the kitchen” facts. In using the mask, constant verbal repetition is most likely the new normal, the “say it again” syndrome. Students can’t hear the teacher well because of the mask, teachers can’t hear the students well because of the mask.
Now let’s say the students were to wear no mask. Little Johnny, whose parents are so busy, they really have not had the time to teach Johnny to wash his hands or cover his mouth when sneezing or coughing. Little Johnny sneezes, droplets reach the teacher’s chair, teacher reflectively turns around and says, “Johnny go wash your hands,” not realizing that she touched her chair handle where the droplets may have reached.
And like this, many other scenarios exist.
Handwashing:
Whilst onsite staff work tirelessly to ensure that the guidelines are followed, in addition to pushing a curriculum, the truth is that in order to implement handwashing, a regular supply of water, soap and paper towels is needed. Do the boards really have the monies to continuously fund it? Hmmmm … .
To the Minister of Education, whilst it is obvious that there is no law that requires the abovementioned safety guidelines in order for schools to be open, the reality is that schools are a nesting-ground for any contagion. And whilst some tend to make it seem like everything is under control, the truth is obliviously obvious.
Your responsibility is to safeguard all stakeholders within the education, and ensure that the safety protocols are being enforced at all times at all schools. Your task is to hold every board accountable for their actions and infractions, if any. Your task is to make a legal decision that holds everyone accountable, school boards, administrators, teachers, and parents! Put it in black and white, now!
Additionally, the FbE [Foundation Based Education – Ed.] exams for all group 8 students should be cancelled and that should be made known now. What mental state do you think teachers and students are in to really understand and remember concepts, whilst being in constant fear because of COVID-19 and constantly having to remember to hand-wash and wear masks. Allow time for schools to devise a remediation plan for when the students are placed in high school.
To the school boards, your task now should be to ultimately safeguard your teachers; if your teachers are well, trust that your schools and students will be well, too. Implement the safety protocols as they should be done, not because you are going to eliminate the possibility of COVID-19 spreading, but to minimize it. Safeguarding your teachers’ mental wellbeing, it is a real thing.
Remember, your teachers are the ones who have bent over backwards to ensure that all students were given the possibility to continue their education since March 18, and are still doing so, and chances are, with minimal to no materials provided by you. Whilst many were on lockdown, education never stopped, at the expense of the teachers’ mental health. With extra added demands and complaints from everybody, but many knew not the weight or the value of the task that was and is being fulfilled.
To the parents, teachers want schools to open and remain open too. Online classes were not “another vacation day” for a teacher. As a matter of fact, it was the teaching load seven-fold, added with complaints and demands from every possible angle.
To the general public, it is your duty, our duty, to do our part in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Enough of the blame game! Teachers didn’t ask for this. Teachers are doing their best with what they are given! Teachers are at the bottom of the command chain, they are merely following orders from above (unfortunately at times). Teachers love your children and by extension you. BUT, teachers are human beings too, with families of their own, fears of their own, and concerns of their own. Give them some grace and respect, they never stopped having your child’s best interest in mind, despite the crappy treatment they receive.
Let us hold hands in harmony and battle this pandemic, whilst taking care of our fellow brothers and sisters, teachers included!
A teacher, a parent, a civilian, a human being
Name withheld at author's request.
