Topic: COVID-19 effects on school leadership in NYC educational systems in low socioeconomic urban environments
The 2020-2021 school year is shaping up to be one of the most historic and unprecedented school re-opening that NYC and undoubtable schools across the world has ever seen. Principal Goodson recalls walking her halls with her custodial engineer measuring distance between desks to ensure that each student sits 6ft apart from each other with only 10 desks in a classroom making certain that her classroom meets the 10 to 1 ratio guidance. Across her classrooms there are 10 students to one adult. Neon color bins sit next to each desk where students are to hold their individual school items that will be needed to support their education. Ensuring that there will be no mixing of materials and or resources to prevent the spread of Covid-19 from student to student.
In the hallways there are 6ft distance markers to remind students who are standing on line to social distance. There are also arrows strategically placed to direct the flow of traffic throughout the building. The principal refers to the CDC guidance and Carranza’s guidance as she checks to see that each hall has hand sanitizing pumps and that each class has the proper quantity of PPE materials for students and teachers including N95 masks and face shields as well as plastic barriers on desks. The Principal along with the Building response team, a team of 10 staff members ranging
from teachers, the assistant principal and the school nurse, who work
to create a safety plan for the 2020-2021 school year. In this plan, it’s stated that all individuals must take a health screening survey and have their temperature taken before entering the school and those with temperatures of or over 100.0 Fahrenheit will not be allowed to enter the building. In this plan, there are detailed procedures of an isolation room if a student or a staff member becomes ill with Covid-19 symptoms. This school year, there are three safety agents patrolling the parameter to ensure that the staff and students are safe. They conduct the temperature checks as well and monitor that safety procedures are being followed.
The Principal and Assistant Principal Dr.Fowler ensure that they adhere to the guidance set forth by the Chancellor. As teachers enter the building they are not allowed to congregate in the main lobby as they always have to welcome each other back and to collaborate with one another. The school team say their hellos” and “ goodbyes” adhering to social distancing guidelines. Principal Goodson conducts a virtual check in and professional development with teachers on the 78 inch Promethean Board attached to the wall in the principal’s office. Teachers can be seen on the screen while sitting in their classrooms. The flow of the conversation begins with what Principal Goodson calls, “SEL check in” this social emotional check in provide her an opportunity to take the temperature of her staff’s emotions and feelings to address any anxiety and try to inspire her staff to hold on to hope and this idea of them being “champions for children” as they embark on this journey together. In the meeting the team discusses all of the new health and safety procedures from students entering three different entrances for morning arrival and procedures the “ Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch policy for students as no one will be allowed to enter the lunchroom students will have to eat while receiving instruction in their own classrooms.
Additionally the school acknowledges that students may be coming back into brick and mortar having faced various levels of trauma from the pandemic and civil unrest in our nation. Within their instructional planning time, the team brainstorms ideas and activities to incorporate in the first 10 back in school for students to have a smooth transition. After the 20 days of social emotional learning activities, the regular core instruction will take place and the SEL activities will continue to be embedded in the instructions. The SEL activities consist of discussing how the students are feeling and addressing their unique needs with books that offer strategies to cope and overcome difficult situations. Jesie Fields, a 4th grade teacher says she is trying to stay positive, although she is a bit apprehensive for this 2020-2021 school year. She uses her instructional planning time and guidance from the principal to map out not only what her first 10 days will look like but she works on a scope and sequence document that details the ELA and Math instruction that students will receive in person as well as remotely. She also teaches team meetings with other grades virtually to collaborate from far. Jessie Fields said she is still trying to accept the fact that she can not hug her students or collaborate with her fellow colleagues the way that she used to. The sentiment as the planning is unfolding at The Fresh Creek elementary school that sits on a street overlooking the Breukelen housing development which borders Canarsie and East NY Brooklyn, is that this year, will go down in the history books. Principal Goodson, manages a smile and states, “ we are up for this challenge. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that our scholars excel.”
Principal Goodson tries to remain hopeful and gives a positive message to her scholars virtually.
The leadership at the Fresh Creek School is committed to breaking down barriers and getting to know each child well with Learning Profiles in order to support student learning.
The leadership understands that connecting with all stakeholders, students, teachers, and parents) to build the well being of the school community is vital in the hardships that the community isn faced with.
Community Circle pic:
