School closures - some next actions

Here are some possibilities to consider.

School communities
1. Carry out a post-mortem on the last few weeks as soon as convenient
(a) What worked? And why? Be prepared more of the same next time it is needed!!
(b) What didn't? Try to find alternative/better ways to do next time!! It might even work next time!!
(c) What have we discovered about "us"? Attend to the things than need to be attended to in our school and our community!!
(d) What have we discovered about others? What worked for them? What did they learn? ... What are the implications for the future?
(e) What else might we do now? In the near future? Next time?

2. Gather the data: During the past few weeks you have greatly increased your knowledge of what your school really is, in the life and work of your community.
(a) Capture 30 to 50 most significant stories that were told. And continue to add to them. These stories might be about students, families, the community itself, education, the local economy, the way in which the school and its community support and nurture people...
(b) Begin gathering the demographics - be more informed so that you can respond quickly to those who want to do things TO you!! And work with those who want to do things WITH you
(c) Map the school district showing where families live (big map). It is not the distance between schools that matter. It is the distance for home to the possible next school.
(d) Involve the students in learning (and teaching others) about their community, its life and work...
(e) Educate everyone about the school and its community...

3.  Consider small next steps for the school, and other aspects of the community, for example,
(a)  Update the history of school and the community
(b)  Put the school and community on show to passers by
(c)  Develop a shared voice with related schools and communities
(d)  Enhance the presence of the school and its community: use signage, the web, the media, events....

4. Participate in wider networks
(a) Sustain and extend the networks that have served you so well in recent weeks
 
The Policy/Decision Makers
I am concerned that the decision makers (and their advisers) may be the last to learn and respond constructively. Our world has changed. They may be in charge but this does not mean they are in control. Our children teach us this lesson everyday. The failure to close schools is more than a failure of process. It is a failure to understand what is happening and how the world works. Until they really learn the lessons they are unlikely to look around for the tools, processes and strategies to make sense of what is happening and work WITH those involved to make much better responses that will enable us all to navigate future challenges.