The Light in the Sky

As I write this blog post, I'm sitting in one of the rooms in our home that faces west, and I'm watching the most glorious winter sunset. Something about the bitter cold temperatures must help the colors be incredibly bright and sharp as the sun descends out of sight. I've noticed lately that when the sunsets have been visible, they've been stunning, and this evening is no exception. 

I'm buoyed by the fact that it is after 5:00 in the evening, and there is still plenty of light in the sky. I completely understand that there will still be more than four hours of daylight at this time of day in a few months. But for now, it feels momentous that we can still see beautiful colors at this time, since a few months ago, it was already dark by now. Or if it wasn't, it certainly felt that way!

The longer days the beautiful sunsets are giving me hope. Hope for the future. For warmer temperatures, for more daylight, and hopefully, hopefully for the end to this latest variant surge in our state. I reported to our board that we had 86 cases that we know of in our building since January 10. Eighty-six. That we know of. 

Why do we want warmer temperatures? We want to be able to spend more time outside. When we are outside, the need for masks is eliminated. Giving everyone a mask break, a chance to run around, and feel less restricted are really mission-critical these days. 

Why do we want more daylight? We want people to feel like there is still part of their day left when they go home. I cannot emphasize how hard these past two years have been for everyone, and particularly for those of us in the field of education. To give you a glimpse into what I'm talking about, consider that recently most evenings and early mornings feel like a snow day to our Co-Principals and me. Let me explain. 

With this latest variant, with the latest guidance from the Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Education, we've seen an increase in the adult absences in our building. So in the evening, before I go to bed, I text our Co-Principals and ask how our absences for the following day are looking. When we awaken early the next day, I text them again, asking one question: Can we be open today? 

I'm humbled and proud that we've only had one day so far when we haven't been able to staff the building. The Secretary of Education has assured us that we won't have to make that day up at the end of the year. Our adults have once again risen to the occasion and continue to show up and serve our student and their families. They have done this every day, under the strain of COVID-19, for almost two years now. It is an honor to be their superintendent. 

Looking out the window, I still see the light in the sky. I still have hope for what's to come. Warmer temperatures. Longer days. 

And I'm filled with gratitude for all the human beings that are doing the work of education in St. Johnsbury!

Photo courtesy of www.wallpaperflare.com