It has been two months since the social distancing rules have been introducetd in the state of Texas. No more than 5 in one group, from one household, closed shops, schools and services. New reality for everybody.

Everything has changed since the new virus SARS-CoV-2 had been spreading all over the world. It is fast, can be dangerous and knows no borders or limits. And for sure, upended everything we used to call the normal life. Yet, we all hope that the slow opening which has recently started, will eventually bring us back to the good old days. Eventually, but for now we are getting used to wearing face masks and follow very detailed rules when shopping, dinning out or entertaining. Instead of visiting friends and family, we call, we video chat and try to keep in touch in any other possible way. Social distancing even loosened is still in place and we should adjust, hoping that very soon there will be night out with our friends.

Over six weeks ago, Texas Governor issued an executive order to close all Texas school for the remaining of this school year. Our school followed the law, and had to cancel all classes and switched to distance learning. No one knew what to expect, how it would be like. The same time, all of our students had to switch from their regular schools to different form of school-guided at-home-learning programs. Our teachers had to modify their plans into some kind of e-learning version, trying to accommodate the new family life with home schooling as well as their own professional work, also moved to home. It hasn't been an easy task, especially since the last few months put a big financial, emotional and social strain on many families. Yet, we are in this together, and we hope there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Even though it looks like summer is going to be very different as well, we should stay positive and believe that everything will get back to the good old normal soon.

Meanwhile, school still runs. Our teachers step up to the the challenge and have been leading their classes using divergent resources and tools. Since the students' age varies from 4 to 16 years old (and 18+, too), there isn't one universal way for distant learning which could work for everybody. Classes have been based on the materials and notes e-mailed to the students, on videos and some video chat platforms and other class apps as well. We cannot stress enough how thankful we are for our teachers, for their work and engagement. We do support them as much as we can, but to be honest, in many ways there are on their own in this situation, collecting experiences, deciding what works and what does not. Big thank you for every minute each of you spends with our students in this strange and challenging times. Big shout out to the parents, as well. Thank you for keeping track of the homework, papers, scheduled video sessions and due dates. Everyone is aware, that since all our lives have been closed within the walls of our homes, it is really hard to stretch a day so everything fits within. We are almost there. One more week and polish school is over. So stay strong, healthy and positive! Keep calm and mów po polsku!
A.W.