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Crossroads of Education: Sophia Baldyga

by Margaret Daley | October 9, 2020

Crossroads of Education

Sophia Baldyga 2nd Grader at South Side Elementary

When and how did you hear about the Covid-19 pandemic?

Mommy and Daddy told me about it when we had to do school at home this spring.

If you had to choose 3 items that remind you of school/schooling during the pandemic, what would you choose?

My masks, hand sanitizer, and my mom’s iPad

Explain the meaning of each and why they best capture this moment.

My masks: We wear them at school and everywhere we go to keep us safe. Hand sanitizer: We use it a lot to keep our hands clean and to keep us from spreading germs. My mom’s iPad: I used the iPad to connect with my class on Zoom this spring and to play math games and read books.

What Do You Miss Most About Your Life Before the Pandemic?

We didn’t get to go on our family vacation in June because of the Pandemic and I miss getting to have normal family birthday parties and family weekends with our really big family.

Is there anything you like more about your life since the Pandemic started?

I get to spend more time with my family now, my mom has less meetings at work and my dad is working from home.

What did you take for granted?

I took for granted space away from my little sister. When we are together all the time, we can start getting mad at each other.

What are the 2 most annoying things about how life has changed since the pandemic.

We can’t have friends come over to play and we can’t go everywhere we want to go. 

Did you enjoy remote learning?

No, I missed my teacher and my friends and getting to play on the playground. But I loved the choice boards and getting to do my work with mommy. 

Were there things you didn’t like about remote learning?

I missed getting to have PE, Art, Music, and Library class. 

What are you looking forward to this year at school?

I am looking forward to seeing my friends again and learning new things. 

Which sports or school activities have you missed?

Soccer with the park district was canceled and at school we don’t get to play all the games we used to be able to at recess. I miss morning recess with the whole school that we had last year. 

What has been the most helpful thing/source of support from your school/teacher?

My first-grade teacher (this spring) had class Zoom meetings that I loved.