Teaching through Zoom

The morning sun begins to shine

Time to get our computers online

For there are students to engage and greet

Even though in person we can't meet

We wonder how many students to anticipate

and how we will get them to participate

The once joyful noise of kids coming into the room

Is now a doorbell ding alerting they're on Zoom

As we peer into the camera and smile bright

We pray they are all healthy and doing all right

We encourage them to show their beautiful faces

Respectful and humbled to be in their personal spaces

A quick hello, Zoom norms, and we are ready to begin

This is the journey of online learning once again

Scavenger hunts, a lesson on fractions and taking it times two

Apply this at home by doubling a recipe and make something new

Time to head to a breakout room for a small group chat

Beaming around to help make sense of this and of that

A cascade of voices talking over the other or not all

Wondering about those who did not make it on the call

We listen to their heart and work to engage their mind

Hoping they are learning how to be resilient and be kind

Praying love and grace through the screen can reach

Knowing it's hard for families to work and teach

We do not want students to merely survive this year

We want them to flourish and overcome fear

As we plan, design, connect, share and create

This is a new world together we must navigate

Parents take a deep breath, keep striving, and know

Teachers are giving their very best to help your kids grow

Teachers thank you for doing amazing things each and every day

We are grateful to you for leading our future through Zoom today

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Buella (cancer) Has Spread

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Well, Poo: Update on Cancer Treatment

The radiation oncologist entered our room in a medical halo, looking very uncomfortable and much like an image of Frankenstein. He was healing after suffering an injury to his neck in a swimming pool two weeks ago. "How are you doing?" he asked with genuine care and concern. "Well, obviously, better than you at this point," I replied as I internally scolded myself for complaining about the rough nights sleeping in a recliner the past 6 weeks. He smiled and said, "Yeah, maybe so." Then we got down to business. He reminded me that before surgery, we had discussed the possibility of doing radiation. He had laid out some clear signs that it would be necessary. Buella (the cancer) had spread to the nodes (CHECK) Tumor is greater than 2 cm (CHECK) There are cancer cells in the Lymphovascular system (CHECK) There are unclean or close margins from tumor edges to chest wall (<1 mm CHECK) You are premenopausal (CHECK) Each component increases the odds of lo...

Eviction Notice: Buella (Cancer), You Have Been Served!

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Inside the Mind of an Educator

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