For the first time in more than a year, students stepped foot into their Resource Centers on Monday, April 12, 2021. Through rotating schedules and stable and cohort groups, students were able to safely get academic support and socialize with their peers again.

To ensure returning to in-person learning went as smoothly as possible, Pivot created and implemented a COVID-19 safety plan for each site so all the proper safety guidelines were followed and all students and staff stayed safe and healthy.

“While Pivot is no stranger to virtual learning, getting to see and meet students in person that we’ve taught all year online was very exciting for us,” said Jennifer Clopton, North Bay Site Coordinator. “We know there are many students that benefit from being physically together and getting to interact with chemistry labs or other materials in-person. We’re happy we got to welcome our students back again.”

Although Pivot is uniquely positioned to accompany life changes that require more online learning, educational coordinators and students alike were enthusiastic to socialize and learn together in person.

While in the Resource Centers, all staff and students must wear a face mask and stay six feet from others. Students also have to fill out a Google form before each day they visit the Resource Center attesting to a lack of COVID-19 exposure or symptoms. Once students arrive, teachers take the temperature of each student before they can go inside and they verify student responses to the COVID-19 survey form.

If you have been considering returning to in-person learning but have some hesitations, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help students safely (and sanely) adjust to in-person learning again: 

  • Normalize Worries – It is perfectly okay to be concerned about entering a public setting again but know that Pivot has created a SAFE opportunity for students to learn and see their friends and teachers. You can also read up on all the protocols Pivot has put in place to keep you safe.
  • Establish Goals and a Routine – Feeling supported by a routine and setting goals to motivate you are both great ways to feel stable and assured when returning to in-person activities. Set up a structured schedule for each week and share it with a parent or Educational Coordinator.
  • Stay Flexible – As this last year has made clear, life does not always go as planned. While it is smart to establish a routine, it is also important to try and stay flexible so you can adapt to any situation.
  • Communicate with Family and your Teacher – With so much of our lives taking place online during the pandemic, you may feel like the last year affected your educational confidence or your social skills. Though these insecurities are valid, it is important to communicate your concerns and areas you may feel uncomfortable with your family, friends and teachers.
  • Be Prepared – Pack your backpack with everything you need the night before (including your mask and hand sanitizer!), get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, ensure you are aware of the safety guidelines you have to follow and remember that returning to school may not be exactly what you left last year.

If you have further questions about the safety protocols in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, visit PivotNorthBay.com/Coronavirus or call your Site Coordinator.