In person school must haves

We are going back to school in person September 1. Our district is giving it a go, and with Nolan’s extra needs (speech, OT, one on one) I cannot be all of those people. We have put our trust in our school system to take care of our kids and have policies in place if something should arise. None of our children or the people we have common contact with are in the high risk category so we feel this is a good set up for us.

With going back to school, this is what we are making sure to have ready as we start the crazy 2020-2021 school year. (This list will also be helpful if you are resuming in person schooling at another time of the year).

Masks

Our school is requiring masks with many “mask breaks” built in. Nolan has an IEP and they are comfortable working with him to do the best he can. We have back up masks at school as he is oral, he is going to lick his mask. We are making sure he has ample changes.

Practice with your little one on putting their own mask on. This is the new tying shoes. Nobody really wants to touch that and if your child can do it themselves so the teacher doesn’t have to spend the whole time helping, it is so helpful. Talk about proper mask wearing.

Have adult masks, too. Going to the office, drop offs, meetings, etc. or anything in person you should have one if that is what the school/local government is requiring (our school and the State of WI have mandatory masks indoors)

My favorite kids mask come from small shops: Goose and Mills (Nolan and Stella are XS) & Gabbowlous boutique (child).
My favorite adult masks came from small shop: MilahandKam

Lunch/Snack Containers

I am a big advocate for saving the Earth and reducing, reusing, and recycling whenever we can. Lunch we were going through a lot of bags and throwing them away. I knew we needed a better option.

We have been packing Nolan lunches since he was 3 and started at his therapy center. I found these containers to be the best because they have compartments (we work with all our kids to have a big spot for the main dish, and then the little spots for fruits, veggies, and wants), and they came with silverware. Nolan found these forks to be pointy enough to work really well and he always had whichever he needed.

Other lunch containers that are more eco friendly and helpful:

For snacks (and Nolan’s car breakfast) we were sending a ziplock of cereal every day. I was getting sick of al the waste so when I found Zip Top Containers, I knew it was perfect. They are the perfect snack (small spot) size, are washable, and are cute on top of it all! They also continue to help Nolan work on his ABA goal of opening zip bags.

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Though they are an investment at first, they will replace the cost of many bags and such as well as be better for your health and the earth. I was gifted 2 baby containers to try out and then I purchased an additional baby set of 4 and the Full set of 8. They are also available at Target and on Amazon!

School Supplies

As a former teacher, I know they ask for the things they need. Please, if you can afford it (or find it), get the supplies. If you cannot afford it or find it, be honest with your school. Especially now, kids need their own supplies to stay safe, so if your little one needs help, ask for it.

Soap & Sanitizing

We want our children to be safe as well as not bring anything home. We are teaching proper hand washing with the song tops and bottoms (melody are you sleeping).

Tops and bottoms, tops and bottoms
In between, in between,
Don’t forget your fingernails, Don’t forget your fingernails,
and your thumbs, and your thumbs.

One of my 4K old students, adapted to new CDC guidelines by me

We have soap right in the bathroom they walk in by with a step stool so they can all reach (even Bryce). Hand sanitizer we teach the same technique it just doesn’t needs water. We dont use it very often at home, but teach how to use it for when we are out.

Cleaning Supplies

My most recent readings have said that they do not believe that the virus is living on surfaces as much as we originally thought. Kids will hang up their coats and their backpacks as always, then wash their hands.

Shoes will go in shoe bins, they will not be placed on surfaces we touch.

I, again with the mindset to save the earth and resources, as well as try to be chemical free, use Thieves cleaner (I have a couple oils girls, let me know if you need info!) in an amber glass bottle, and Norwex cloths (I have a couple Norwex girls, let me know if you need info!). I use this on high traffic areas such as the door knobs, bench in the mudnook and tables and counters. From my research, that is all the cleaning necessary. (aside from the hand washing protocols).

Children will be exposed to all the harsh cleaners at school as that is their deep cleaning protocols. I 100% understand that, but that also gives me even more motivation to cut the chemicals at home.

Know the policies

You will need to know the policy of the school for

• What they consider symptoms and need to stay home for (and how long)
• What is the policy for if are in contact with a positive case outside of school (and how to report)
• What is the policy for if they are in contact with a positive case inside the classroom.
• What is the policy for siblings in the school who did not come in contact but their sibling did.

If you do not know the policy, at least know where you can look up the policy or who to call in the instance of needing to find out the policy.

Patience and Grace

These teachers are doing the best they can. They are learning on the fly and doing their best to follow what is required by administration.

This is unprecedented. Nobody really knows what they are doing and the information they get is changing often. Give your teachers your patience, some grace, and some understanding.