Ordinary Gente

More than a week ago, they closed the schools in Long Beach. All teachers, all staff,  and all students were sent home to work. I don’t know how to support students and teachers without being at school. But I will figure it out. As a teacher on special assignment  (TOSA), I will have to learn how to support teachers and students who don’t speak English while school is closed to slow the spread of the pandemic.

A few things to note since the closing of campuses across Long Beach, across the state and the nation, in fact, across the world. Long Beach Unified is feeding students but not many are coming to the sites to pick up lunches or breakfasts. Come on guys, we can feed you! We can provide computers, too. Even the local internet provider can give free wifi to students

What’s difficult is the social aspect of life. I’m cooped up. The extended family is cooped up. Our students are stuck inside. People are either laid off, furloughed, or working from home. It’s a strange new world. All while a medical crisis is imminent. Since Friday, March 20, California has been under a Stay at Home order except for going to the grocery store or the bank or outside for a simple walk around the park. As an extrovert, I’m incredibly sad at the lack of interaction, real interactions. 

Our son and daughter-in-law, Lorenzo and Arevik,  came by today and stood outside the front door. They brought us toilet paper and produce. I gave them a baguette and a bottle of wine. I cried when they left because I couldn’t give them each a hug and a kiss. All I have to say is this is hard. So challenging. And if they medical experts are right, it’s life or death.

More than 600 people died of the Corona Virus yesterday. That’s in only one day. This is serious and we don’t know how it will play out. The new reality is connecting through the internet and by cell phone.