Across the DMV, we know public schools will start virtually this fall.
The dialog in my neighborhood, text chains, Facebook page, and my own head has centered on school administrators and teachers. The Monday morning quarterbacking is about right and wrong. It’s about what they did or didn’t do, knew or didn’t know, considered or ignored. It’s a mix of data, emotion, anecdote, bias, anger, resignation, and satisfaction.
Anyone else feel like the friend at the end of the row on the Tilt-a-Whirl? Dizzy and… squished. I’m ready to get off. This ride sucks.
But this post isn’t about the decision we’re in. It’s about how we got here and what happens next.
It’s about our process. A look back can inform our look ahead.
Our mistake was assuming the decision about schools reopening was a decision for schools to make. It is but only in the narrowest sense. In recent months, we’ve all come to appreciate that "school" isn’t just bringing together kids, teachers, and curriculum. It’s routine, friends, teams, food, safety, and support. And, yes, in the most honorable, respectable possible interpretation of the word, it’s childcare.
The actions needed to go back to school far exceed the scope and capacity of what administrators and teachers can offer. These professionals play a critical role but not the only one.
There are essential roles for parents and students, we know. What’s less obvious are the roles for local businesses and non-profits. We're in a megacommunity.
A megacommunity acknowledges and embraces the reality that some challenges are too big to be solved by a single entity. Solutions require a coordinated effort and are driven by shared ownership among a much broader group of groups. Our common goal to educate and care for our children compels us to act- together.
The challenge we're facing this fall requires us all to play bigger. To pull of a set of solutions at scale, we need a convener and a coordinator. We need central group of somebodies to light the torch and make sure it’s passed.
Who might this be? What about our PTAs?
Wait, wait, stay with me for a sec. I’m serious.
In normal years past, PTAs help deliver the full school experience for kids and teachers. Armed with contact lists, spreadsheets, and Pinterest boards, this volunteer army is resourceful. They’re master communicators and they know EVERYONE. They function as fund managers, planners, recruiters, includers, and appreciation and celebratory event coordinators.
We know this is no normal year, however. So, imagine an augmented PTA comprised of parents, teachers, and for- and non-profit community members. Imagine aiming all their organizing, mobilizing, and communicating power at our shared kid/school/care challenge. Imagine stepping up and playing big. Really big.
What might that look like?
First, we’d need another call for volunteers. Our current set signed up under the assumption of “business as usual” and they’re going to need help. Not only do we need more horsepower, but we also need a more diverse skill set.
Next, we need to settle on a few priorities to start and who (broadly) will need to be at the virtual table with solutions.
I envision a collection of agile, short-term working groups focused on hatching creative solutions. Their output would include resources, information, and recommendations- no mandates, no liability.
I personally would start by bringing some access, transparency, and diversity to this pod formulation process that right now feels like every family for itself. I’d then move on to socialization and coordinating small groups, outdoor recess, and enrichment activities.
What do you think? Could the (minivan) cavalry roll in?