School's Out for...COVID

Well, boys, when you left Westwood for Spring Break you didn't really expect to not return this school year. Although we had heard on the news about a virus, COVID-19 (also known as the Cornonavirus), in other countries I don't think people had taken it very seriously. Over Spring Break more cases were found in the U.S. and people realized how serious it was, administration decided to close school buildings for the remainder of the year. Note: at this point we have not been directly associated with anyone who has a confirmed case but we can see the numbers rising daily in the U.S. 

Life looks very different. Businesses, restaurants, retailers...anything that isn't considered essential is closed and initially people were not supposed to gather in groups larger than 10, but that has now been increased to only leaving your home for food, medical needs or essential work. This means no eating out, playing with neighbor friends, no trips to the store, no extracurricular activities, etc.

Probably the biggest change - you will finish out the remainder of the school year with distance learning. There are a few things that you will miss that make me sad: State Night for Huston, field trips, your first WW Art Show, Spring Picture Day (so no group class photo), no Westwood Field Day, no Running Club, no goodbyes. But, Westwood has done an amazing job of making the experience the best that it can be in these circumstances. It's the Westwood Way! Your teachers have kept in touch, given us great ideas on things to do at home, administration is keeping everyone involved by doing fun things on social media, still having our Friday assemblies online and providing lots of resources for you to keep up with learning. This last semester will not count toward your final grade, but it will keep you learning and from turning into big ol' couch potatoes! 

Probably both of your favorites....Zoom Class Meetings.

 

Distance learning looks different for everyone. We have decided to focus mainly on the istation reading and math and do a few activities in Art, P.E. and STEM each week. You both are my children and love a good list and chalk markers, so we made a chart to track daily/weekly items. Once you complete all 4, including your chores, you get to pick a reward for the night. We did make the decision to do more throughout the week so we can have Friday's off. Huston, you added "back scratches" which makes me smile because you have LOVED your back scratched lightly since you were a baby.

I'm sure a lot of people will agree, an unexpected benefit of a "shelter in place" order is that without all of the busy and crazy schedules we are spending a lot of time at home cooking, playing games, doing fun projects, etc. I have seen a lot of growth in your relationship which is pretty much the best thing that can happen to my momma heart. One of my biggest wishes is that you two will become best friends and support each other through life. Right now you are both really into building forts, wrestling, the Exploding Kittens game, Minecraft (together) and Dragon Mania Legend (all three of us) and playing with Ms. Oreo Whiteboots and Mrs. Artichoke Fuzzypants, your cats.

With the technology available, we've been able to order our groceries online and access most of what we need from home. It has been tough financially, as I am not able to go to work and there is limited work I can do from home. But when you are on lock down you don't spend as much either, so we will make it work and you have both been very understanding. It has given us a great opportunity to discuss money and how your income and expenses must align. Huston, you were shocked and appalled when you found out we had to pay for electricity. You feel very strongly that it should just come with the house.

So, this is what life is like early April 2020. Nobody can really predict how long this will go on or the long term impacts it will have. But I truly feel blessed for this bonus time with you and am so happy that we have ALL grown closer. My hearts go out to all of those that have suffered the illness and those essential workers that are keeping things going, treating the patients and managing the chaos.

Hugs & Kisses.

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CORONAVIRUS

People may be sick with the virus for 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms. The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

More rarely, the disease can be serious and even fatal. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.

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People may experience:

cough

fever

tiredness

difficulty breathing (severe cases)

STATISTICS (as of 4/7/2020)