Need a Smile? New Rochester Superintendent’s Video Will Make it Happen

Full Disclosure:  I'm a parent and two of my kids are students at Rochester Public Schools in Rochester, Minnesota.  And...I already got a "COVID letter" on the first day of school.  Yes, this week.  On day 1. I was sitting at my dining room table when I opened up the e-mail and the first thing I thought was, "You've got to be kidding me.  We JUST started school.  Literally, like a few hours ago."  (I vented about it in a live video...keep reading to watch it.)

Although this whole thing just sucks and I am numb at times because I am completely exhausted from hearing the word COVID and all the latest updates and protocols, I am thankful for the humor in one of the latest messages that was sent through Rochester Public Schools.

How I felt when I got the "COVID" letter on day 1 of the brand new school year.

For some parents, the COVID letter is just a routine that we are somehow used to after the last year.  Pretty sure no one wants to read those words that are typed up in the form letter anymore but at least I know for me, I'm thankful that it is being sent.

There is a part of me that is numb to all this too so trust me, I am not thankful 100% of the time.  In fact, when I get that letter, my anxiety shoots through the roof and I immediately start to wonder and guess what my next day will look like.  I have to intentionally disconnect and sometimes, that means I'm not answering any more e-mails for the day.  I may not answer your text messages...ever.  I also probably won't answer the phone or even respond to you on Facebook or Instagram.  I need a moment to just comprehend what the heck is going on and try to figure out my next steps as a mom and at times, figure out what life is going to look like while we are quarantining.

Out of 8 weeks of in-person school last year, I quarantined with exposed kids for three of them.

Between last April 5th and the end of May earlier this year, I got three of the COVID letters that indicated my child had direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID.  Three.did all this 3 times.  Every single time sucked.  I anticipate it will all start again soon.  It will suck just as much as it did then.

How humor helped me laugh today...even when I know I'll probably soon have to quarantine due to COVID.

Because I'm the mom and I need to be prepared and know how communication is working this year for COVID, I read up on all the things that Rochester Public Schools sent out and honestly, I had a little laugh at the YouTube video where our new Interim Superintendent went into "character".  If you haven't watched it, you should.  It will make you smile.

Safe and Open Schools Plan for Rochester Public Schools 2021-2022 School Year

If you've got questions about what is happening to help keep our kids safe, or if you haven't had a chance to read through the Safe and Open School Plan for the Rochester school district, you can browse through it here: Safe and Open Schools Plan for Rochester Public Schools 2021-2022 School Year

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Thank you for making me smile when I really just wanted to cry.

I'm just a mom trying to navigate this weird world we are living in, trying to juggle work while sometimes having to quarantine and do a radio show from my closet, and do all of this with a smile on my face for my kids.  In the midst of all that, you made me smile.  Thank you.

Listen to Jessica Williams weekdays from 6am until 10am on the Y-105FM Early Morning Show and give her a follow on her Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.