Back-to-school jitters and excitement are an annual experience. But fall 2020 was a season unlike any other, and there are still plenty of unknowns as we head into the new school year too. Will our school stay open, or switch back to remote? Will teachers in some states undergo weekly testing?
Ozobot heard from teachers and students across the country about how it feels to be coming out of summer and heading into a school year in the wake (we hope!) of COVID-19. Read on for their hopes, wishes, and cautious optimism for fall 2021.
Shannon McClintock Miller, District Teacher Librarian and Innovation Director | Van Meter Community School
I am super excited for this new school year at Van Meter. We are adding a STEAM program to our school so I will be co-teaching and planning this with my friend and colleague, Megan Algreen. With an art education degree and passion for technology, this will be a super fun and exciting addition to my role at Van Meter. We have lots of big things planned for the STEAM and library program….We can’t wait to share more! 🙂
Hear more from Shannon on her blog, The Library Voice.
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Lisa Richardson, Math Models and AQR Teacher | Clear Brook High School
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Celia Taylor, Middle School Media Specialist | Broward County Public Schools
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Gina Ligouri, English Teacher | Montour High School
I am very much looking forward to starting next school year in much more familiar territory! Due to COVID protocols, we were not able to use the Ozobots last year (no sharing of items) and I CAN NOT WAIT to get my Evos back in the hands of my students! This summer has served as a much needed break to recharge, reflect and regenerate some ideas–but as we get closer to the start of a new year, I am getting more excited to be with my students again.
Follow @G_Ligouri to see the innovative classroom projects that earned Gina the 2020 Dr. Laura Hummel Technology Innovator of the Year Award.
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Amanda Buschmann, Librarian & NISE-Certified STEM Educator | Sheldon ISD
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Last but not least, we had to hear from some students too. From PK to 11th grade, here’s a snapshot of kids are feeling about going back to school.
Duncan, A Three Year Old With All the Right Priorities
[I like my school] because there’s lots of friends there and people. And potties and beds.
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Hagan, A Soon-to-Be High School Junior
I am really looking forward to the upcoming school year. I am excited for our football season as we work towards making it to state again. The summer has been a great one with friends, lifting, and lots of golf.
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Now that you’ve heard from teachers and students across grade levels and subjects, it’s time to let us know: how are you feeling heading into back-to-school 2021?