Back to School

Jessica Manfree, Military Spouse & Blogger

As the summer draws to a close, some parents are beginning to feel the excitement about their children heading back to school. With the global Coronavirus pandemic this year, back to school looks a little different.

Many states find themselves either mandating virtual learning platforms for their students or allowing parents to choose in-person or eLearning. The Center for Disease Control has issued guidelines for in-person learning, which many states are basing their reopening plans on. Parents are making the best decision for their families, and depending on your choice, your preparation needs this year will vary.

In Person Learning

If you have decided to let their child return to their school, your school is will most likely be stepping up their cleaning, handwashing recommendations, as well as practicing social distancing. Many schools are also requiring additional safety procedures:

• Mask wearing
• Readily available hand sanitizer
• Small groups
• Temperature checks
• Plastic dividers between children

There are several companies that are making masks for children. There are several stores that offer affordable masks which have inserts for filters. You can also order masks online that include a mask for every day of the week and a laundry bag for easy washing. This will mean you’ll have to wash them or have one for every day of school to make it easier. There are also disposable mask options that are available in many stores. Your school will give you a specific and detailed supply list as well.

Virtual Learning

Perhaps virtual learning has been mandated by your school district, or you decided that this is the best course of action for your family. With school districts working hard to provide quality distance learning plans, there are ways you can organize your home to dive into eLearning.

• Create a schedule for the week; this especially essential if you are working remotely while also trying support your children’s virtual learning. More than likely, your school will have the day-to-day schedule organized and it can certainly be helpful to keep this in weekly calendar which is visible for everyone in your family.
• Find a space in your home for virtual learning. This could make it easier for your child to adapt if they have a consistent space utilized for eLearning. Make sure the space is comfortable and stocked with essential supplies. It could help you to have a visible folder or bin for work that needs to be checked by parents. Having your child help you organize their workspace could also help the transition.
• This will be an adjustment for everyone, and younger kids may have a harder time adjusting. You could build a rewards program for completed virtual classes or assignments which could mean incorporating special “breaks” from school with play, reading or games. Find creative ways to make it fun.

Whether your family has chosen in-person or virtual learning, feel secure that you made the best decision for your family. If you are able, join social media groups for in-person or virtual learning in your area. Find ways to connect and work together to make it through the new normal. These are challenging times but when we come together to support one another, we thrive.

To understand more about what Caliber Home Loans and our Caliber Military and Veteran Loan Program (CMLVP) Team can do for you, reach out to us today at Military@CaliberHomeLoans.com.

*Caliber Home Loans, Inc. is committed to our nation’s Veteran and Active Military homebuyers through the creation of specialized, in-house education curriculum that prepares our team members to meet the changing needs of our military borrowers. This blog is written by military spouses in an effort to share the unique experiences shared within the military community. The thoughts and opinions are strictly representative of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policy of Caliber Home Loans, Inc.