*** I created this collage with questions to show the different ways mental health can be looked at, when thinking of teaching: In-person/hybrid & virtual. These are just questions roaming around in my mind, and maybe they’re roaming around in yours!***

What is best, mentally, for our kids during a deadly pandemic?

-Is it more important for teachers to be physically in the room, with your child, and not be able to smile at your child behind a mask and shield or is it to show emotion like you can virtually?

-Is it more important to be physically in a building in a “cocoon” of 10 students that never move around, and hoping that your child can get along with one of the other 9 children or at home where moving about can be done freely, and not having to stand on a “X” to wait and use the bathroom?

-Is it more important to have students use Chromebooks in a classroom? Or in their homes? Remember, pens, pencils and paper is a huge no-no! They can spread the virus. But at home these utensils can be used!

-And finally, is it more important for your child to stay healthy? Or more important to gamble with it?

–Aimee Stout, High School Teacher

–Pine Bush, NY