First Day of School- Distance Learning

Well, here we are. Still in a pandemic and school is starting and no one is physically going to school. We chose Distance Learning Academy for Asher and Macie and it's been challenging trying to figure out how it will all work. Thankfully, it's been going well and far better than what they did last Spring.

Asher's teacher is Ms. Liles and Macie's TK teacher is Ms. Dorroh. Both teachers are not from Old Orchard. I'm not sure where they normally teach. But Asher's Distance Learning Academy is based out of Newhall Elementary and Macie's is based out of Pico Canyon Elementary. It's all confusing. After this year, assuming that we can all go back and everything is normal, the kids would go back to Old Orchard. We'll see how much they learn this year but so far it's been going better than I thought. Right now, no one is back at school but our neighbors and friends who chose the hybrid option, have teachers from Old Orchard. Since we chose 100% distance learning, we have other teachers.

Macie is shy when it comes to virtual class time. I'm hoping it'll get better. It's just not the same as being in class but she's doing ok. Asher seems to be doing well and likes his teacher. I haven't had much time with her but so far I like her. I'm trying to leave Asher to do his stuff on his own and take charge so we'll see how that'll go.

Caleb and Ethan are all online too. They seem to be doing fine. We'll see how they do once projects, reports etc come into play but for the most part they did good with distance learning in the Spring. This whole experience is pretty interesting. I'm just so blessed I don't work and this isn't a detremental adjustment. I'm able to help them when needed and be around to do what I need to.

Macie has a table and chairs set up in her room, Asher and Caleb share a 6 ft table that's in our family room and Ethan is in his room. So, thankfully we have a space for everyone and we don't have to move work around. They have their permanent spot. It's working out well. I can't imagine doing this in our old house in Mission Viejo. We literally would have no room!! Tender mercies and blessings I'm seeing from this situation.

For so many others, this is such a horrible situation. But for us, we haven't really been affected like they have. Fred never stopped working, was able to keep his job and work from home safely, our kids were able to swim a lot at the pool, stay home with me and now I am able to commit a lot of time to helping them. We have been really blessed and not really affected from this pandemic and I am very thankful.