Stockton Students return to classes amidst pandemic precautions
There is no one more resilient than a child, and no one more adaptable than a teacher. The second the students at John Stockton Elementary walked through the door it was clear that many things had changed. From the masks on their faces to the desk shields in some of the rooms, changes that might have been overwhelming for many adults were taken in stride by the students. For them, the safety precautions are small cruxes in an otherwise promising school year.
Allison Cooke and Debra Bell, who teach kindergarten, have found ways around the muffled mask voice by wearing voice amplifiers. Stockton staff does whatever it can to make sure that the students maintain the six-feet distance when possible. Most teachers have incorporated “zombie arms” which is a helpful, fun reminder to keep some space in between each other while walking.
While some have decided to go back to brick and mortar schooling, many students from the Stockton family have decided to continue learning virtually. Stockton’s Duval HomeRoom students still follow the school schedule complete with lunch, resource, and recess. Stockton teachers are ensuring that all students can experience the joy of school from home. Bethann McElhone allowed her fourth-grade student with the most class “Dojo points” pick her hairstyle for a day of teaching, while Donnette Williams monitors her students during lunch bunch so they can have an opportunity to socialize with each other.
Stephanie Brannan, principal at John N.C. Stockton Elementary, has kept the school afloat and thriving despite the constant changes during these uncertain times. “With the ever-changing class schedules, the intense monitoring of possible symptoms, and the lack of parents/visitors in the halls, it has no doubt been a school year like no other,” said Brannan. “As you walk the halls of Stockton Elementary, the variety of facial coverings is extensive. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade have done an incredible job embracing this new dress code. Our parents and community have supported us 100% and have been truly amazing. However, I cannot express my utter amazement at how the faculty and staff have embraced this new way of work. Teachers’ schedules now include not only reading, math, writing, science, social studies, recess, and lunch, but now they include hand-washing sessions, Calm Classroom lessons, which is a new meditation program, as well as time to clean face shields, all of which are necessities in a 2020 classroom. I am in awe of my teachers daily!”
While the uncertainty of this pandemic has brought change, and change often brings fear, trepidation is not apparent when you walk into John Stockton Elementary. Instead, you might see one of the teachers in a silly mask, voice echoing like a tour guide. Children run with their arms wide open towards the fresh recess air. Students embrace ventilation outside for a lesson. Laughter is everywhere because school at John Stockton has begun.
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