With the first marking period at Midlothian High School coming to a close on Friday, October 30, 2020, teachers reflect on their virtual experience thus far. Since September 8, 2020, teachers have had to redesign their whole curriculum to fit an online environment. From technical difficulties to low participation from students, nothing has come easily for teachers in regard to the 2020-2021 school year. They remain optimistic that as the year progresses, students will eventually return to the halls of Midlo to continue their education, yet with a second spike of COVID-19 imminent, the future of high school learning remains uncertain. Whatever course of action Chesterfield County Public Schools decides to take in the weeks to come, teachers have made it their mission to adapt to these difficult times for the sake of academic achievement.

Pushback from parents, students, and even teachers on the county’s decision to start the school year online has inevitably circulated, but now new opinions form in light of the idea that students will return. Social studies teacher Mr. Anthony Bolton and English teacher Mrs. Brooke Hoke both do not desire hybrid learning as “cases are starting to rise throughout the state and the country again,” Bolton explains. “This virus isn’t the flu, and we are seeing devastating short term and long term ramifications of coming down with the virus,” shares Hoke, who holds a similar opinion on the topic, adding, “I am really looking forward to when it is safe for all of our students to return,” Clearly, all teachers want the best for their students, shown through their caution about returning to face-to-face instruction. Mrs. Yvonne Mullins, who “loved in person instruction before the pandemic reached the United States,” now feels “concerned with returning for the safety of our older and more at risk teachers.”

Another interesting dilemma concerning virtual learning centers around student participation. Ms. Emily Pfund, a Midlo English teacher, explains, “I’ve had to get a lot more creative with it if I want students to participate. I have to take more steps now than just standing in front of the classroom and waiting for students to chime in.”

The target date for middle and high school students to return in a hybrid format is Monday, November 9, 2020. In the meantime, teachers work hard to connect with their students in each class, as they continue to strive for the greater good of the Midlothian community. To learn more, CCPS Project Restart FAQ offers updates and CCPS Communications of Positive Tests tracks COVID-19 cases in its schools and central office.