'Elevating Voices' Submissions by School District

A

• Amity School District
• Celebrations of distance learning: - learning fractions - The outline and packets were easy to follow - I learned new things - art projects - science projects - videos helped - I finished my work. - My mom and dad helped me. - My grandparents helped me. - My aunt and uncle helped me. - I got to spend time with my family. - I got to see my friends during Google Meets. - I got to learn new things (art and crafts, rocks, cooking...) - My sisters helped me with my homework. - Teachers were always available - My teachers helped me - daily meets to see my friends 
• Challenges during distance learning - missing friends and teachers - not getting to go on planned field trips - missing out on survival swim - missing out on rocket unit and launching - needing more help - It was not good because I was not with my teachers, you were not there to teach me, I just wanted to play. I need my teachers. - Not having help with my school work (mom and dad are at work until dinner time) - learning math - understanding things without teachers - the homework I had to do all the time - Google Meets (time, internet, access) - I miss going to school. - keeping up with my work - not having a teacher or classmates - distractions at home make it hard for me to learn - mom/dad is a terrible teacher - being confused - learning technology - technology updates 
• Wishes/Needs I need someone to help me with my work. I want to go back to school. I need easier work or more help. I need more challenging work. I want to see my friends. Go back to school

• Central School District
  
• How has your life changed because of school closures and the state’s response to COVID-19? Are there both negative and positive aspects of this change?
  
• We have had to cancel a lot of things and life doesn’t feel the same. I am SO BORED I go to daycare because of my little siblings. We can’t use our phone and I can’t do school work because the wifi is another school’s than mine and it blocks my computer so I can’t do any of my work until 6pm. I miss seeing my teachers and classmates even in our online meetings.  I'm more relaxed with less stress and I've just been doing my work. Well i have not got to see any of my friends for a month or two now, i cant see my grandparents because i am not allowed to, We can't go out to restaurants even though they could have done something else besides just shutting them down, there is no school and that just sucks well because ONE i can't see my friends and TWO i am in 6th grade going into 7th grade these are some of the most important years of my life and you just shut school down too. A lot of things have changed especially with  school. It's weird doing everything from home and sometimes it can get stressful. e had to cancel two upcoming performances,  and I don't know if we are going to end up being able to do them when this is over. My family life has not been impacted by the pandemic greatly, though, if anything was impacted, it was my social life. The last day of school for me, (May 13) was the same day my team and I were to go to the chess state tournament in Portland, but it had to be cancelled. Three days later, (Monday the 16th) I was to start Track and Field, a sport I was very much looking forward to. And although this all does sound bad, I am only thankful for the fact that I don't have coronavirus thanks to the actions took by the State to ensure the safety of myself and others. Talmadge Middle School
  
• What do you imagine could be different and perhaps, even better following this crisis? For your family?  For your community? For Oregon? For the planet?
  
• I mean we get more bored and it might start to get hot. so staying inside or not able to go anywhere might just be hard. People are still able to go out but in a restricted amount of people in one place. it will probably be weird when we start seeing people again and some people will still be scared and still trying not to leave the house much. What's really sad is that so many people have lost their jobs and businesses have even shut down so hopefully all those people can find good jobs. Not as much littering at social events. well I've been more caring and generous to my neighbors and water their gardens and suchThe planet has been getting better I think, but we will probably find a way to ruin it again. Talmadge Middle School
  
• Are there both negative and positive aspects of the changes you have experienced since school closures?
  
• One negative thing is we can’t have fun doing regular summer things and one good thing is environmental changes from this. I do believe there have been both positive and negative aspects due to this change. Just yesterday, I took a peak at my science journal and uncovered all the topics that were scheduled for discussion. When I asked my science teacher about them, she said that due to coronavirus we are only going to have time for one more topic, something I found rather sad because not only was I excited to learn about the other topics, my classmates and I are going to need that knowledge for next year, in 7th grade. Another down side I have thought up is communicating has become much harder. Sixth grade is the first year into a new school, a new life, but having coronavirus around puts that much more pressure on us. For people who take a while to open up to others, being this far into the year is a very important time for them considering they are really starting to trust and understand people, and now that coronavirus has come, it is likely that they are taking a step back from that and the process will just restart the next year. A final tragedy caused by coronavirus is the loss of jobs. I may not know much from a financial or political standpoint, but I know that some families really need the money right now, because of all the fluctuating prices. But even though these are bad things, I know that the actions taken by the State, like closing the schools and businesses, were the right thing to do before things got worse than what they already are. On a less depressing note, a positive to coronavirus is that families get to be together more. With the free time of the students and the time of work from the parents, families are closer now more than ever, and I truly am speaking from experience. Without the occurrence of coronavirus, I would have never had the time to participate in some of the stuff I have done lately like helping my father fix up an cottage we own and learn to make stuff like sweet tea and Mexican rice.Going along with what I said about the loss of jobs and the need for money, one positive that I could not express enough is that, through all of this, schools have opened to feed not just the students but the people of our community as well. This is such an amazing feat because 12.3% (1/8) families (according to the USDA) don't know where their next meal is coming from, but because schools provide breakfast and lunch, they are given the opportunity to feed the less fortunate. Well it is kind of hard to communicate with teachers and my classmates. But it also gives us time to do our work and pause. Yes. negative is constantly being at home and everything changing. The positive is that the planet is getting better. Well one NEGATIVE thing is i cant see my friends and one POSITIVE thing is we can see how strong our relationship is Another NEGATIVE thing is we cant see our teachers  and one positive thing is not as much school work but, I LOVE SCHOOL WORK AND MY TEACHER so this is all not cool. One positive is that I have played with my siblings a lot more and I have been able to play outside more. A negative is that I can't see my friends and I like regular school a lot better. we spend more time together and result in more arguments. Talmadge Middle School
• What should Oregon’s leaders be learning from the COVID-19 crisis?
• Well first of they should be listening to the people that don't have jobs and help them and they should have considered what would happen if they shut down every thing what that would do to the people of that community. The Oregon leaders should be learning that they made many many mistakes in this pandemic.That the pandemic is only a minor inconvenience compared to is what to come.The government of Oregon should focus on the less financially stable during this tragedy. This is important to focus on because the lower class is the most at risk for getting the coronavirus given that they have the least resources to prevent the spread. This is because people that make less money just cannot afford to pay for the bills that come from coronavirus, or at least they are too afraid that they may not be able to afford it. It is also because they cannot afford essential antiseptics, masks, and soaps to protect themselves. Following the crisis, I still believe we should be focusing on the lower class people of the community because it will be hard for them to just "bounce-back" from this. People in the middle class and high class will also have been affected, but unlike people in poverty, they have the proper supplies and resources to deal with it. Another reason Oregon's leaders have to focus there attention on the lower class is because of the loss of jobs. These people are already on the last of their savings, but with millions of Americans on unpaid leave, these lower class people are getting pushed further and further down because they cannot earn the money they need during the time they need it most. And even people not "laid off" have had to cut their hours if they cannot work from home, a luxury not most lower class people can afford. In conclusion, no matter how much the other classes suffer, the lower class with always suffer more which should make it the highest priority for all of us. Talmadge Middle School
• Central Point District 6
  
• What feelings are you experiencing at this time? How are you coping? Where have you found support?
  
• I am worried that next year I will be made to stay separated from my friends in class. That is too hard! I don't want to go to school. I want to be with my friends and play fun games. Games where we are separated are not fun. I miss the playground and playing tag with my friends. It is too hard to think about next year.
  
• I wish coronavirus never happen. I liked online school but I want to go back to regular  school and I want to see my best friend. I don't want to wear a mask. I don't think I can wear onr. Also I have many different classes and some that are specialized. I might not get to take the classes I need. Worse, I might not be in class with my friend. I don't think I can do that!! It would be REALLY hard! My friend has been in almost all my classes except one. Having him there helped me. He isn't really good at math and takes a different math clsss. So I worry we will be in separate groups. I don't think I could handle that.
• Corvallis School District
  
• What do you think learning could be like during and following this pandemic? What are ways your school or classroom could help you learn right now and in the next few years?
  
• I am going into my senior year at Crescent Valley High School in the Corvallis School District. After the approximately three months of distance learning from March to June of 2020, during which my teachers gave no live lessons, I realized that I do not learn well without connection. The class that I learned the most in was my class where the teacher allowed us to email her at any time with questions, then gave 30 minute classes every other day, encouraging us to delve deeper into the material. (These sessions weren’t lessons since we did not cover new material and the majority of the class did not attend them). In the class I struggled the most to engage with, I was required to finish a checklist of tasks each week. It included no live instruction or interaction. In a classroom, the interaction of asking deeper questions about the material and answering questions that a teacher proposes keeps me engaged in my education. I am a top student at my school – I have all A’s and take multiple honors and AP classes – and I love to learn, but I learned that I need more than the material to keep me engaged. This year, my school district is planning on offering both a hybrid model and an online model. I wanted to do the hybrid model because it allows me to interact with the material as it is being taught in the traditional way, but out of fear for the safety of my grandma and the safety of my family as a whole, my family has chosen to pursue the online option as there is currently no plan to have a mask mandate in schools. Because of this, I am scared that I will not be able to participate in complex classroom discussions with my peers and teachers this year as I have in past years. Those interactions are what make school meaningful to me and keep me engaged. Also, while I know that I am privileged to have this concern, I am sad that I will be experiencing my senior year through the internet. I don’t want to graduate high school without seeing my classmates again. At my school, senior year is full of rituals that we will never get to experience again. I hope that the school district finds ways to create safe versions of these rituals and requires masks at all times so that everyone can enjoy them. In addition to this, I suffer from anxiety. During distance learning, I felt at my best when I got to interact with my teachers, especially the teacher who took time out of class to ask how we were doing. Once classes stopped, my mental health state went down as I felt alone and less motivated. Connection is important in every human’s life, but it is particularly important in the lives of teenagers. Going forward, school plans need to consider this and provide ways for students to contact each other if they don’t already have those channels set up. Finally, for the online option in the Corvallis School District, as of July 17, 2020, classes will be converted from year-long to semester-long courses and they will use curriculums designed for online. I am concerned at how this will impact the rigorousness of the classes, especially AP courses which, even as year-long classes, proceed at rapid rates and have a curriculum that is controlled by CollegeBoard. Crescent Valley HS
  
• What should Oregon’s leaders be learning from the COVID-19 crisis?
  
• We want our leaders to keep this at the center of what they do, as they navigate and make choices for Oregon's future through this crises: We must ask ourselves, what do we want to get out of this? We have the choice to choose whether to go through this uncertain time with an open heart, receiving others with compassion and grace, or we can isolate ourselves in fear. Our world can be changed for better or for worse because people are suffering. The economy is uncertain and appears shattered. People are losing loved ones to a virus that is affecting the entire world. This is hard for every single one of us. But this isn’t all bad. It’s an opportunity for change in our schools, our family lives, and our planet. We have a chance to try something different, and we should take advantage of that. We must remember that we are all in this together. Times are hard, but throughout history humans have powered through all kinds of challenges, all the while learning and discovering along the way. If we all play a part, and we all join hands, we can reach success. Because this coronavirus is pushing us to rely on the things that matter most; the things that a virus will never take away. We have to ask ourselves, if this experience will help us grow, or if the fear will suffocate our joy and take away the empathy we have for others. Yes this is painful, but we can come out of this fire stronger. It is the mindset we possess and the heart for those that are struggling that will carry us out of this. Mrs. Schneiter’ 3rd Period Language Arts Class, Linus Pauling Middle School
  
• Creswell School District
  
• What should Oregon’s leaders be learning from the COVID-19 crisis?
• One student suggested that we should have started social distancing sooner, and we could have prevented the virus from spreading in the beginning. Some students really like, and are successful with online distance learning, while others do not like working on a computer all day and said that they would rather do their work on paper. Another student noted that it was hard to motivate themselves to complete school work outside of the traditional school setting. It was also suggested that if a situation like this arises in the future, that students would like ways to have social interactions with one another. Another good idea that came out of our discussion was that students thought some advanced training for this kind of situation could be helpful. What they mean by this is that teachers should use some of these distance learning tools in the regular classroom. Then if a situation like this arises again, the students and staff would be more prepared for distance learning. Finally, a student who has an IEP suggested that more one-on-one help would be useful. Creswell Middle School

• Eugene 4J School District
• What feelings are you experiencing at this time? How are you coping? Where have you found support?
• "The stay at home orders have made content-driven learning very difficult. The true learning has come in figuring out how to stay healthy, positive and in managing relationships at home-" "Students need teachers and a place to learn outside of our houses. Where I live I can't even find a place to do work. I am not going to pass my classes this term-" "I didn't realize how much my school helps me live a better life. I miss school lunches and seeing people who are in a good mood-" "I never wanted to be a home school student, that's what this is like. I can't believe we have to have prom on zoom, like that makes up for all of this-" "We miss our teachers!" "I am so excited for fall classes and to go back to normal. I feel like summer started early and I will be ready for classes in August-" "People need other people to help them learn. This is depressing." "I'm an introvert so I am coping. I'm tired of my family though." "I love my school and I really miss everyone-" "I'm like most of our students, I go to this school because the mainstream didn't work for me. Network is the most positive schooling experience I've had and I want to go back to class." "I will never complain about going to school again-" "Math is way too hard without my teacher-" "I feel like we should all get a pass on this last quarter of school. I can't learn this way and I want to be able to pass Essential Skills tests to graduate-" "My dad said I will have to do my 10th grade year again and that I should just stop worrying about it. I don't understand most of the work I'm doing right now and my teachers said I should just do my best. Okay, but I still need to learn-" Network Charter School- HeartWise Community MO

• Gresham-Barlow School District
  
• The main lessons that ODE should take away from this time would be to: have a better plan in place for emergency situations and actually do something for the mental health of students other than just say that mental health is a priority. Students felt that the response took a long time and then was just a lot of words without much action behind them. Students did appreciate how much their individual teachers did to check up on how students were coping, and they wish that classes were smaller so that teachers could continue to have those sorts of personal relationships in the future. Students did appreciate the overall sense of community and how people came together, as well as the businesses that worked hard to ensure equitable access for all to the services that remained available (with the exception of unemployment services, but that is not part of this conversation). Ultimately, there was nothing that students who participated in this discussion liked, or would hope to keep, about distance learning for all. It is the school environment that motivates students, and the home environment does not inspire the same way schools do, so making sure that schools are open in the fall needs to be a priority. Sam Barlow High School
  
• What do you think learning could be like during and following this pandemic? What are ways your school or classroom could help you learn right now and in the next few years?
  
• Clear Creek Middle School 
• I feel like learning during this pandemic could probably be seen as not giving students too much work to do because from my experience looking at multiple assignments from 8 classes that have totally different objectives could get overwhelming and stressful which put a lot of pressure on students without knowing what might be going on at home that school could be too much for a student.learning after the pandemic should be back to how it is as school will start again and students will go from class to class I feel like that will be more simpler than just continuously getting piled with work from home, there will be the opportunity to be surrounded by people that can help you with work which could relieve some stress knowing that there are people that can help out instead of being surrounded by family member that might not be helpful or may even add more stress on your back/plate along with school assignments.
• I think learning could be sorta stressful after the pandemic because I have so far gotten used to waking up at my own schedule and figuring things out on my own. I think more interaction with my teachers would give me more to look forward to during this pandemic. More mental and emotional education would be something we need to learn more about in the future.
  
• I think it will be hard fro classes to get everyone to the same learning point for the next couple years. I feel like having more time to talk to the teachers would help. Within the next couple years I feel like they should go over the stuff we are learning now to make sure that everyone gets it.
  
• I think learning will be hard to get back into because we've spent most of our days looking at a screen to do our work so transferring from that to having to read off a paper and focus might be somewhat different. Everyone's sleep schedules also will probably be messed up so it will be difficult for students to undo that. I think teachers are doing their best in order to help their students during this time but maybe giving some extra explanations for students who are struggling on homework or giving assignments that don't take a very long time or over an hour to complete would be helpful.
  
• I think learning during the pandemic could be mainly based online, with some requiring you to go outside, but never to place yourself at risk of infection. After this pandemic, I think that more online schools will begin to exist, as more kids would have learned how to proceed and survive in the Online Education System. Schools could help us learn by allowing us to do more inventive and easily accessible activities, that don't require use of home necessities. In the next few years, I think that we will begin to thrive online, with more students wanting to use online school, with their new found knowledge of how to use a computer and google classroom properly.
  
• I think, people should be a lot smarter by taking this situation more serious. Being careful and not take everything for granted. We are so used, to the freedom of this country.
  
• My school can help is not assign difficult assignments. Yes, I know we have school work to do but I don't think some of you understand how stressful this can be on the students. But, you can have instructions for parents so they can understand more and how to help their child on a specific assignment. I don't have any idea how learning is going to be after this pandemic. Maybe it'll be more different from now. No class rooms? In a few years, school might just be online which I'm not going to be happy about.
  
• Learning online has had its challenges. I would like to go back to school as soon as this pandemic is over. My school can help me learn by being patient as we all try to adapt during this challenging time.
  
• Grants Pass School District
• What do you want the people in charge of Oregon to know about how this sickness has changed your life?
• It’s hard. It makes me sad. We can’t play with our friends, or go to parks or McDonald’s. It’s like the weekend but for a long time. I miss school. Doing homework at home isn’t much fun. I have to wear a mask and I wash my hands all day. Riverside Elementary School
  
• I didn't get to see my friends and I missed hugging my teacher. It was really hard to be away from her and learn. My birthday was during the stay home and I didn't get to have a birthday party or see my family that doesn't live with me. I did get to spend lots of time with my mom and brother during the day and my daddy at night. We can't have friends over. We can't have anyone over. We have to learn stuff by ourselves on the computer. I don't get to go places. I want them to know that I don't like it. I miss school and I miss my friends. There are so many things that I missed out on because of this. I know that it isn't the leaders fault and they are just trying to keep everyone safe. I hope that this crisis will make them more prepared for if something big like this happens again. Redwood Elementary School 
  
• Students and parents lost jobs, or had to work extra because they were an essential worker. Distance learning is difficult. At-risk family members are scared of getting sick. One student shares that their family struggled so much that they left home because of it. During a crisis leadership should be quick with decisions. They need to know how to deal with the next crisis and the next steps to takeL how to correctly handle schools shutting down and the economy stopping. Staying in isolation is not good for a person, we are built to be around other people. Some students miss the social part of school and feel they have lost connections to friends and family as a result of COVID-19.Grants Pass High School
  
• Be better prepared. Keep hospitals stocked with supplies. Keep everyone safe. Focus on what caused the virus and focus on finding a cure. Be careful about information that is shared on the news. We need to take more sanitizing precautions in schools and in the work place. While some agree things should be closed up, others say a rural area and a city like Portland shouldn’t be held to the same orders. Not all want to hide inside. The economy is being destroyed by the decisions being made. South Middle School
  
• They should learn that because of COVID everything is different. It is hard being stuck at home and not able to see family, friends, or go to school and parks. Some kids think things shouldn’t have been shut down and rights taken away, others say everything should be shut down and only delivery of things. Several kids think Oregon should be a more outside place. Leaders should work hard to be prepared for things like this. Riverside Elementary
  
• How can we better help each other during this time?
  
• We can take care of everyone, and help others by doing things for them. We can call each other on the phone. We can try to stay healthy, not go to store, have cleaning stations everywhere. Wear a mask, I have spider man on my mask. Do the right thing. Be kind and help out others. Wash your hands, cover your sneezes and coughs, wear a mask, and stay six feet apart. Give people masks, give people soap. Go easy on the toilet paper and other supplies. Riverside Elementary School
  
• Be kind. Think of others. Smile at people. Go to someone’s house and visit through an open window. We all have to use masks so we don't cough on people and make them sick. Nobody expected the crisis and nobody likes it. We need to all remember that everyone is going through the same thing and that even doing little things to help each other can be a big deal. Our neighbor gave us a bunch of toilet paper because we thought we were going to run out. They had a lot of it so it was not a big deal for them but it was a big deal for us. Redwood Elementary School
  
• Wash our hands and stay home. Follow the rules. Help others and take only what you need. Be kind. Be compassionate. Check in on people. Be a good listener. Be willing to help people in need, get them groceries, leave medicine on their doorstep, bring food to the food bank. Open businesses, but maybe limit people and have at-risk groups wear masks. Let people deicide what is best for themselves and their own family. South Middle School
  
• Check in on each other and support each other. More empathy, love, and willingness to help. Taking proper precautions. Stay home and if you go out wear a face covering. People in charge should set a good example by wearing masks. Grants Pass High School
  
• How has your life changed and how has your family been impacted by Oregon's response to the COVID-19 Crisis (schools closing, businesses closing, facial coverings, stay at home order, etc.)?
  
• Parents were laid off or lost their jobs, and couldn’t pay rent while waiting for unemployment. Daily life and finances are difficult, a struggle, exhausting. It is hard staying home all of the time and not seeing family, friends, teachers. Some families are playing together more, others are missing parents because they are working more as frontline workers. “My uncle can’t hug me when he gets home cause he has to shower from working at the hospital and my aunt can’t run her business because she is taking care of us.” They should learn that because of COVID everything is different. It is hard being stuck at home and not able to see family, friends, or go to school and parks. Some kids think things shouldn’t have been shut down and rights taken away, others say everything should be shut down and only delivery of things. Several kids think Oregon should be a more outside place. Leaders should work hard to be prepared for things like this. Riverside Elementary
  
• It was hard because my mommy had to work from home and teach and organize people and I was supposed to be learning from home too but if I didn't understand something I couldn't ask her right away. Sometimes my brother could help but he was doing school at home too. I did get lots of time outside to swing and plant flowers, so our yard looks nice. I haven't been to a store in a long time and it feels weird to ride in a car. I think I don't know how my friends are and when I will get to see them again. I miss hugs from people. My parents both were working but it did slow down my dad's work a little. And I miss eating in a restaurant. I don't wear masks and don't want to ever have to! We stay home as much as possible and I miss going out and doing things. I miss my nana and my papa too because they are old and have to be really careful so we haven't seen them much. I feel bad that my sister has to miss her 5th grade field trips and graduation. My parents had to change their work schedules so that they could make sure that someone was able to be home with us and help us get our work done. My step-dad goes to work at 6:00 in the morning and my mom stays home with us for the first part of the day, she still checks her e-mails and makes phone calls but she also does work with us. When my step-dad gets home in the afternoon my mom has to leave and she works however late she needs to to get her stuff done. I like spending time with her during the day but I don't like that she doesn't get to be home to eat dinner with us. I feel like I really shouldn’t be next to people because of covid gets over. Oregon should have prepared more. More distance between us at first. It was really hard at first doing school work at home, missing friends and teachers. Easier to do school work at school. Redwood Elementary School
  
• We can’t go to school and we have to stay inside a lot and away from family and friends. It’s boring. I miss school and friends. Parents have lost jobs. We can’t have much fun. It makes some families lazy, but allows other families to have more time together. Riverside Elementary
  
• Weird. Lonely. Sad. Boring. Some say life hasn’t changed, while others say it’s put a lot of stress on families who are out of work and having to stay home all the time. Most kids agree distance learning is hard and they miss being in school where they can better understand the curriculum and socialize. They miss seeing friends, and family. Some families are getting to spend a lot more time together and say the virus has brought them closer together. South Middle School
  

• Hermiston School District
• How has your life changed because of school closures and the state’s response to Covid-19? Are there both negative and positive aspects of this change?
  
• There has a been mix of both positive and negative changes.  Positives: Spending more time with family, Hopefully we'll be more prepared, Can work at your own pace; Negatives: More time online means more screen time, More confusion No socialization, Immune systems are down because people aren't going out Mental health taking a hit, People not working, less income, People in retirement homes not getting visited and socialization, Missing grandparents, Missing out on learning in person which is better" Highland Hills Elementary
  
• When asking my 3rd grade students how their lives had changed and whether the changes were negative or positive, I received similar feedback from all. Students agreed that their lives had changed and that their families had been impacted in both negative and positive ways. When talking about the changes in their lives, I had students say things such as, "I can't go to the store with my parents anymore", "I can't go to school", "My life has been impacted by COVID-19 because I can't really do anything", "My family had to cancel our trips to the coast and to Disneyland", and "I can't spend time with my great grandpa and grandpa because of this." When discussing if there were both negative and positive aspects to this change, they agreed that there was both although they see more negative aspects than positive. The positive aspect they brought up was the amount of time they have been able to spend with family. I had one student say, "I get to spend a lot more time playing with my family, especially my dad who normally works a lot." On the other hand, they brought up multiple aspects that were negative, such as "I can't really learn at school or I can't really see my friends at school in person" and "People get bored and spend too much time on the screen." Highland Hills Elementary
  
• Most of my students said the negatives were not seeing their friends and the positives were spending more time with their family. Below are some comments: "I liked that my birthday was on a weekday but I didn't have to go to school. I like that I can play video games on weekdays. During the school year I don't get to play them except for weekends. I also like that I get to spend more time with my family and camp in my trailer in our yard. I could barely go to the store and if I do I have to wear a facemask. As the day goes on I get more bored because I cant go outside. I help my dad put cement so my sister could play basketball." "It's changed because I don't get to see my friends or my relatives that don't live with us.  I don't get to go on trips.  These are the negative parts of it." Highland Hills Elementary
  
• "Our family is staying home more. We eat together and watch TV together. We didn't used to do this very much. Everyone was busy at school and at practices. I really like that." "I really miss my friends and teacher at school. Sometimes my family gets really grouchy at each other and I wish I could have a break from them." "I do not like being at home by myself when my parents are working. I do a little bit of school and watch TV and play video games. It's boring. I fight with my sister a lot." "I am mad that we are not at school. I don't get to see my friends. I am stuck home with my sisters and brothers. I don't like doing school on the computer, it is harder for me. I have missed so many things like baseball, my family going on a vacation for Spring Break and getting to go to my Grandma's house to visit." "I like it ok. I just play a lot of video games!" "I like some parts being with my family but I really miss school and my friends and teacher." "All of this is stupid!" "I don't like being stuck at home and worrying about my mom who has to work." Highland Hills Elementary
  
• How has your life been doing good sense COVID? *Great, get to spend more time with family *Okay, we have been able to manage since both parents are still working. *Cuddling my puppies has been good. *Because we've gotten to do painting and gardening together and playing with my dog. *good because it keeps us safe and a family with mom. *We have learned new skills such as problem-solving, independence, and asking for help. We have also learned new academic and life skills from our family members. It is nice to have flexible schedule. *Playing more, and eating food at home. More relaxing. *I get more sleep, I get to see my family more because I am not at school, I get to have fun at home in our pool and playing outside, I get to spend time doing work with my mom. *Kind of good kind of bad. My family is ok. I'm boring. I miss school. spending more time with my family. How has your life been doing bad sense COVID? *not good because we cant go to the pools or bouncy house *I cant stay home because my mom works in a hospital.  I am staying with my PaPa and NaNa *I don't get to see my friends from other classes. *Its been hard because i don't see my friends and not played with them *we can't get what we need *I don't get to see all my friends and my mom teaches different than my teacher *Different because at school it is easier to listen, learn from others, and the children feel more frustrated at home than at school. *School work at home kind of feels a lot harder. *We have been in for a long time. *We miss our friends from school. Missing end of the school year activities. *I miss my friends and teachers more than anything. *We can’t go shopping or to the park. Can’t see your friends. *we have not been playing sports. *I miss being at school seeing my teacher and friends. *School work is harder online and at home and I miss my friends *The homework is boring. I want to work at school. Not at home. *We dont get to play with friends. *We miss our teachers and friends. *We haven't been able to go out and do the things we normally get to do.Highland Hills Elementary
  
• Some students love staying home and not going to school.  Many are home alone with no guidance.  I did a Google Meets with students, some were jumping over couches, some were still in their pajamas, some were babysitting younger siblings.  Parental involvement seemed minimal during the period I was meeting with students. Even though these students seemed to love "early summer"  after visiting more with them. I think they truly miss school, teachers, friends, stability.  I think the situation they are in right now is going to get "old" for them.Other students are missing the structure, teachers, curriculum, school, and friends.  They want to come back to school and get into the routine and safety of the school atmosphere. Some said they miss learning and are concerned about their education. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• "I am worried I am falling behind. I would explode if I had to do distance learning again next year. It's really hard for my family. We are still recovering from the flood and parents had to take time off work. Ready for it to be over. I had to spend my birthday in quarantine. I don't get to see my friends. It's hard to do distant learning because I want to do partner work to see how other people do the problem. Miss seeing friends. Had to spend my birthday in quarantine." "It's hard. My parents are not making enough money at work at the restaurant. Sports are closed and there's no toilet paper. Learning is a little easier because I have parents to help me learn. I can't participate in bowling league so I cry in the corner." "It's good, bad, and scary. I feel like I am a prisoner in my home now." "I am lonely." "I am missing indoor soccer. I am having a hard time getting motivated to do my school work from home." "My parents don't have enough money from work. It's hard to learn online." "I now have to have a schedule for my schoolwork. It's hard to do my work from home because there are so many people at home distracting me while learning." "It's been sad not being able to see people or go to school. Our vacation was canceled." Highland Hills Elementary
  
• Mi opinion es que desde que cerraron las esculeas yo me siento mal porque ya no puedo ver a mis amigos y yo estoy triste. My opinion is that since they closed school I feel bad because I can't see my friends and I am sad.; Pues no podemos salir y a comprar y no podemos hacer nada y es triste. So, we can't go out and go shopping, and we can't do anything, and it is sad. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• What do you imagine could be different and perhaps, even better following this crisis? For your family? For your community? For Oregon? For the planet?
  
• During this time, being home they have appreciated being with family more. They are hoping that this will further research for a universal vaccine. They think that the media should be less involved to help avoid panic and fear, so that people don't hoard toilet paper. Future generations should be understanding of their educational circumstances. When this ends, kids should go to school longer, so that they can make up for what they missed. Going to school at home is not the same as being in a classroom. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• We have learned how to social distance, we should keep doing it. I miss school and my friends. Family seeing each other more than usual. Bored at home. Student submission from Highland Hills Elementary
  
• What is your favorite part of Distance Learning?
  
• My Favorite Part of distance learning?: Working at any time from home while relaxing in pajamas and spending extra time with family. Getting extra play time because there was not as much work to do as expected in the classroom. Loved seeing homeroom teacher through the videos, since they could not see them in person. It was a safe alternative during the pandemic. How it Feels Different?: Many students did not like it and would rather be in the classroom because they could not see their teachers and classmates, which made them sad. Had to work on a device instead of hands on activities like at school, so thought it was boring. Could not interact with teachers during lessons to answer or get feedback. Not a good alternative for some households. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• The most frequent response to this question was that the students liked seeing their teacher on the lesson videos that were sent out.  Many also stated that they missed their friends and teacher.  They also mentioned the flexibility in the time frame that they had to complete their work and they liked that they could eat snacks more often at home while they completed their work. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• "nothing It’s hard to concentrate when I can be doing other things at home; my favorite part was doing the things on a computer it felt different from school because my teacher wasn't here; being home. not seeing the teachers every day;I would like to be in school but I also like being home to sleep in longer; my favorite part is epic reading and it felt different from school because there is not that many kids here; My favorite part about distance learning is being able to do Face Time with my class and being able to have more time to play at home. It felt different from school because i don't have a lot of work to do like i did in school and show and tell is also different because you have to put your show and tell in the camera so everyone can see it.; not in a classroom was different, my favorite part was I don't have to wake up early; Doing I-ready. And I like to turn on captions, but they're always wrong. I like doing the health videos.; We struggle with it at our house. My kids don’t think it’s serious when I’m enforcing it and it’s not coming from their teachers. It’s new and we will have to adjust to it.; using the chrome book. At school only have iPads.; Being able to assist ELL students in their homes in a one on one tutor model.; My favorite part of Distance Learning is the Google Meets. I like them because they are fun. I like the fun recesses I have at home. I like that my iReady is harder. That makes it more fun. Harder = more fun. It is different from school because I don't have to dress up. It is different because we have Google Meets now.; dont know. miss everyone at school; i don't like distance learning, I miss school and my teacher and friends. it is very different because I do not get to see any of my friends or my teacher." Highland Hills Elementary
  
• Overall, the responses I got were that they enjoyed the videos a lot because they missed their teacher and wanted to be in the classroom so the videos allowed them to see their teacher. They have enjoyed being able to learn from home because they get to spend time with their families but they miss all the activities of school and it doesn't feel the same. I also had multiple responses about not liking distance learning and wanting to be back in school like normal with their teachers and their friends. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• I like being home to do my schoolwork.; More time to play outside. I miss my teacher and going to class. I miss the fun activities with the other kids.; I like seeing my teacher and classmates on Fridays. I miss seeing my teacher and friends at school.; I get to read more chapter books. I get to spend more time with my family.; I spent time learning with my mom. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• Being able to sleep in and not have to get up so early. Not having my teachers being able to help me, but I have my computer to be able to see videos and stuff on. My favorite part was making a mothers and fathers day card. It was different because it was on a computer and i couldn't see my friends.; My favorite part of distance learning is P.E. Its different because we don't get to play much games at home. I can be with my family at the same time. It’s on the tablet and your mom and dad are the teachers. I didn't like distance learning. If I have to pick one thing it would be math. It's difference from regular school because it's harder and more complicated. We had a lot of trouble figuring out how to turn in assignments.I had more free time. It was hard to be away from my teacher. Highland Hills Elementary
  
• What should be Oregon’s priorities during and following this crisis? What opportunities do you imagine?
  
• Oregon should be more mindful of educating people on the importance of hygiene, and the importance of giving space to others. This pandemic has created more family time. It's given us an opportunity to slow down and look at what's important. Be prepared for the unexpected. Highland Hills Elementary
  
  

• Medford 549C
• Logos Charter School
• "Yes there are both positive and negative aspects to this change.  The positive things are that we are home safe with our families.  The negative things are that we are not able to go to school and interact with people." 
  
• Title: Physically Isolated, Always Connected Tiny sparks of energy, Towers helping us send them. Sending faces, Voices, Ideas. Same face as physical. Eyes made of glass not flesh. Ears made of plastic not skin. Mind made of wires, same as my mind. Fighting tiny robots, Fighting for our lives, For everyone’s life. The heros, The ones who heal, Who support, Who Survive. Endure the pain, Pain of waiting. Someone did so for me. It’s my turn now. The first war, Where winning means not dying.
• Having people around me who show unconditional love and support is what gives me happiness through all times, this includes friends and family. This time will be a lot more impactful on people who are alone or who are stuck at home in a bad home situation. Not having good people surrounding you can make you feel alone or stuck, and many people don't have anyone to talk to right now. This time has shown me how truly lucky I am to have such loving and supportive people surrounding me not only in my settings outside of the home but also inside of the home. Being stuck at home with more free time has given me the chance to become more mindful of others and learn to express more gratitude on a more regular basis.

• North Bend School District
• Can you imagine ways we can help each other better?
• I can imagine a lot of ways that people can help each other. One of them is that everyone needs to listen to the states officials, even if you don't agree they are trying their hardest to keep us safe and healthy. People need to listen to guidelines, wear a mask in stores LISTEN to what you need to do and do it. People are saying that we should open up, but if you open up all at once like some states did, then we would have a giant spike in cases and it would be even longer in lock down than it is right now. People should cheer each other up, not tear each other down during this crisis, people need all the support that they can get, even if it's bringing flowers to your neighbor, that could make their day. So people should listen, if officials tell you don't go outside without a mask, you don't walk around town with no mask on. North Bend Middle School
• Miscellaneous Submissions
• That the school closure is a great way to spend time with family members, but on the other hand the Governor has put us in the lock down, and luckily our teachers and students are still able to do class work on meetings with the class. In my opinion, our Principal of Hillcrest did the right thing by making a distance learning website.They should be learning that it is sometimes hard for kids to do schoolwork without their teacher helping them and teaching them,  because they have to learn how to teach themselves how to do it.Positives: Students are still able to do school work from home. Some students have learned about the distance learning. Students and teachers are able to have meetings as a class. We get to spend time with our family at home. We get to do school from home on chromebooks, and workbooks. We get to play with our siblings. We get to play with our pets. We get to sleep in.Negatives: The news is making up scary stuff about covid-19, to scare people into thinking everybodys going to die!, The government put us in lock down when the flu has more deaths and people are scared of covid-19!, Lots of people are being to dramatic about coronavirus. We don’t get to go to school and have fun. We don’t get to see our friends. We don’t get to see our teacher. We don’t get to play outside during recess. We don’t get to go to the Library, or play at parksHow has your life changed?: We don’t get to go to school and we don’t get to play or hangout with our friends, and we don’t get to see our teacher and ask her for help on a math question unless we call, FaceTime or text them, so it is just difficult sometimes and it is weird.
  
• I am an honor roll student and I take pride in school. I got into very bad habits last year and this year school changed those habits. I had connections with all of my teachers and now I don’t even talk to them. The big thing I need from them is a better explanation of  grading. If I get a A letter grade is it just going to be a pass? Can I still get a 4.0? Also, I wish we new more about who had Coivd-19. My town has a few cases in our jail but just recently we got informed of a case not in the jail and I want to know where they shop frequently, where they work, etc. so I can avoid those places to my best ability. Lastly, why are dentist offices closed? I have really bad teeth problems and my mom told me dentist offices are being considered “non-essential”. I thank Oregon’s Leaders for everything they’ve done during this crisis, and I really appreciate the opportunity to share my questions and ideas regarding this issue. Student Submission from North Bend High School
  
• Elevating Voices 6th grade social studies North Bend Middle School
  

• Oakridge School District
  
• What do you think learning could be like during and following this pandemic? What are ways your school or classroom could help you learn right now and in the next few years?
• Oakridge Junior Senior High students hope Oregon’s decision-makers, and our district’s decision makers, will take into account these ideas they’ve shared with me.  Students miss in-person learning. They miss having a teacher address their questionsand guide them.They miss group projects, class discussions, games, and activities that require movement. They even miss teacher presence for improved accountability and less procrastination. One Junior says she could manage her workload better if there were a teacher walking around the room, or if she knew she would be in a classroom at least once a week. Students were 100% in agreement that they learn more with on-campus school. Some advocated for “regular” school, but others said a mixed approach, with some distance learning and some on-campus time, would be best. Many students want to keep the freedom and flexibility of distance learning, yet also add in-person interaction with teachers. When asked about instruction, they felt it could be done in-person or on Google Meet; some prefer it also be videotaped to be able to rewatch. When asked about doing their actual assignments, all said in-person interaction is essential. Two students mentioned that distance learning gives them time to pursue personal interests. Others said they like seeing each others’ pets and siblings. All like working at their own pace.These things can also be “cons” for some students.  A seventh-grader said that siblings can make it difficult to focus. We have, in fact, seen examples of this! Some find the open schedule leads to procrastination. And one mentioned that, while some homes are safe and comfortable, others are chaotic and tense. The aforementioned Junior also wants it known that most teenagers have switched to later sleep cycles. She hopes that future decisions about school schedules will take this into account and start later. She pointed out that distance learning positively affects the planet. Distance learning provides students with flexibility, families with time together, and the planet with less pollution. Some families are saving money by commuting less as well. Other downsides to online learning are lack of internet or bad connections.These were not problems these students were having, but problems they imagined others might have. As far as packet work and online assignments, students had mixed views. One seventh-grader was pleased he could work ahead, while another appreciated not being rushed.The self-paced aspects that are part of our current distance learning were a pro for most, although some found self managing and motivating difficult. Students would like teachers to offer clear schedules for their packets (days and amounts of time needed). The aforementioned Junior suggested help with daily planning as well. (Do your science after breakfast, etc.)Students also would like engaging work and extracurricular fun. As much as is possible, they want work applicable to their real lives, interdisciplinary work, and/or choices.They would also like it to not take too long. Students would like schools to try to keep students connecting and having fun in as many modalities as possible. She misses the many social aspects of in-person school, like sporting events, dress-up days, sitting together at lunch, and school dances. The Oakridge Junior Senior High School students feel a combination of in-person and distance learning could work well next year. All agreed that no matter what, they need time with teachers. In-person classroom time is unanimously their first choice. They would like distance learning to be more focused on instruction, and in-person learning to be more focused on application (flipped classrooms). They want fun activities to still be a part of school on campus and online. They value their education and I’m so grateful to be working with such thoughtful, helpful students. Oakridge Junior Senior High School
  
• Oregon City School District
  
• How has your life changed because of school closures and the state’s response to COVID-19? Are there both negative and positive aspects of this change?
• Our lives have really changed due to the state’s response to COVID-19.  We can’t go to school anymore and we really miss our friends and social connections.  We didn’t have all of our friends’ numbers so it’s hard to connect and be social.  Many of our parents have lost their jobs or can’t work right now.  Our parents are   home more and we are tired  of each other but  we also get to  spend more time together.   It’s difficult to get to the store and to navigate those places when we need to. There are a lot of new rules about how to behave that are tough to remember. Positive aspects are: Getting to connect more with parents and siblings, Meeting neighbors, More outside time to ride bikes  and scooters, More time to pursue hobbies and  interests, More time to communicate with extended family via phone/computer. There are fewer distractions for working at home than at school. Negative aspects are: We’re bored during the day, Too much time spent on screens, It’s hard to stay motivated, Parents have  lost jobs, We can’t socialize with friends. John McLoughlin Elementary School
  
• I have struggled since 6th grade with depression and anxiety. The only ways I have been able to cope have been through school and choir. Being part of the OCHS Choir department has truly been life-saving. I don't know if I would have been writing this right now if it wasn't for my choral director and her department. Being at home doing distance learning has been hard on any student I have talked to. It has been especially hard on me since I am the oldest of 5 kids and my mom lost her job during this pandemic. My mental health has seriously gone downhill and the only thing that has kept me motivated is being able to zoom with my classes. I am a senior next year, which means it is my last chance to take part in the high school experience. Knowing that there is a chance that my whole senior year or a decent chunk of it could be at home is very scary. I feel like ODE and CDC need to work together to come up with a plan where students can go back safely even if it's for half days or we have to stay with our homeroom teacher the whole day and do online school that way. There are so many students who escape from their homes by going to school and they are now stuck in those toxic homes where they are struggling more than anyone realizes. They need a place to get out and to breathe again without the stress of their home beating down on them 24/7. Students thrive in settings where they are with their peers and teachers. I know this pandemic is dangerous and scary, but think about what you are taking away from your students if you keep us at our homes next school year. Think about the teachers, who miss their students terribly and would do anything to be with them again. Think about the parents who can't find child care so they can't go to work right now or they do but they have to leave their kids at home all day when they aren't old enough. Every single person is being affected by this pandemic, and it's the thought of "normalcy" coming back that has kept us all going. Think about all of this, before choosing to keep us home next school year. Oregon City High School
  
• What do you think learning could be like during and following this pandemic? What are ways your school or classroom could help you learn right now and in the next few years?
  
• We could have more assignments.   Assignments from our teachers are better than just doing programs like Kahn Academy or Reflex.  The videos from the teacher go more in depth and we can watch them over and over if we need to.  We like being more independent and getting to make our own schedule and work at our own pace.  Even when we go back to school we could still have all of our assignments listed in Google Classroom to help us see the schedule.  We could also use Google classroom for homework rather than having to keep track of papers.  Filpgrid is a technology we could use to practice our speeches. John McLoughlin Elementary School
  

• Parkrose School District
  
• How has your life changed because of school closures and the state’s response to COVID-19? Are there both negative and positive aspects of this change?
• Student A: I have been able to play with my brother and sisters more, but I miss being at school and seeing everybody. Student B: I have been staying home during the Coronavirus days.Student C: I have been hanging out with my mom. I am frustrated I can't see my friends. Student D: Positive: I learned how to play Minecraft and have enjoyed more time with my family, help caring for the garden, seeing my neighbor friends outside everyday. (Waving across the street and talking on the walkie-talkie) Negative: not able to hug my grandpa and grandma or play on the play ground. Student E: I like spending more time with my family. But I really miss my friends and my teachers. I really miss learning new things at school Prescott Elementary
  
• “The virus makes me sad because I can’t go to school to learn, or see my Teacher or see my friends. I’m also sad I can’t play in the playground for recess” “The virus makes me happy because I get to be home and spend all day with my Mommy” Prescott Elementary
  
• Can you imagine ways we can help each other better?
  
• Each week we gather as a preschool community in a studio explore time google hangout or a music google hangout. We talk and share many things. On this day I asked my students where they found joy. Prescott Elementary
  
• Student #1"I got the card you sent me! Look it's right here."
  
• Teacher "How does the card bring you joy?"
  
• Student #1 "When I miss you, I go and hold it."
  
• Teacher "Did anyone else find joy this week?"
  
• Student #2 "I made a puppet. Can you see it? It's a unicorn! I take it in my backyard. There are lots of bees in my backyard right now."
  
• Student #3 holds up a stuffed monkey and shakes it around
  
• Teacher "Does your monkey bring you joy?"
  
• Student #4 and #5 run away from the screen and grab monkeys. They hold them close to the screen for everyone to see.
  
• Teacher "Wow! So many monkeys. Did you all realize you had that connection? It looks like monkeys bring a lot of our friends joy."
  
• Reflection: As I look over this brief exchange between preschool friends, I can see their desire to connect with each other is strong. Perhaps even stronger during this time of distance learning.  Iti s not easy to find ways to connect remotely and share our feelings.  And it may be the most important thing for all for us to feel right now- connected.  When we were able to gather as a community in person, practicing the habit of making connections was always a priority.  I notice my students continuing to rely on that habit now as we do our best to explore things like texture, sound, line, color, nature and joy at a distance.
• Phoenix-Talent School District 
• What do you imagine could be different and perhaps, even better following this crisis? For your family? For your community? For Oregon? For the planet?
• I gave my third graders an assignment to write a STORY about a girl or a boy who do something to make a DIFFERENCE during this time we are in. This was my first entry Saturday morning. I am thrilled. Talent Elementary School
• "Jenny Saves the Day" Jenny walked down the stairs to hear the sound of her mother making breakfast. She sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. The theme song for NewsWatch12 came on and the news anchor started talking, "Breaking News: COVID - 19 is spreading fast. Experts are saying that schools and some businesses will be shutting down due to COVID - 19. Some homeless shelters will be shutting down, raising the number of people not having a place to go and leaving many without food." Jenny sat there listening to this and feeling sad. She looked over at her mom and said, "There must be something we can do!" That's when she had an idea. "I will help the homeless by making lots of food and handing it out." So Jenny did just that. With the help of her mom she cleaned the kitchen and put on her mask and made lots and lots of food. She made enchiladas, tamales, pozole, and chicken salad. She even went to the store to get fruit, such as oranges, apples, pears and bananas. She also bought lots of bottled water. She then put on her mask again and went around town passing the food out to the homeless. A few weeks later... "Breaking news: The COVID - 19 outbreak is at a new high. Almost all businesses are shut down. The few that are open are not getting many customers. On a lighter note, someone has been spreading a little bit of hope. A nine year old girl named Jenny Stones from Central Point, Oregon has been handing out food and water to the homeless population all over the Rogue Valley. She is a food superhero! If you're watching this, Jenny, be safe and keep doing what you're doing!" Jenny smiled at the TV as she heard this. Her mom turned to her and said, "You ARE a food super hero!" The End

• Portland Public Schools
  
• Miscellaneous Submissions
• Dear Oregon leaders, We need to learn quickly from this crisis, in order to transform what we learned into a new vision and roadmap for the future! Oregon's priorities should be to keep their residents safe and healthy. We need to be able to prepare for any future pandemics. We need to care for our people, and ensure they have access to the basic needs of life.   Put into action safety and protection for homeless people, like having affordable and stable housing!   Make sure that people get the tools they need to thrive, like money, and food, now and in the future.    Get the economy going again, even if that means pumping money into the local businesses or forgiving loans to try to get companies back (economically) to where they were pre-pandemic. We should also prioritize learning about how this impacts different groups, in order to better support the needs of all Oregonians now and in the future, regardless of age, race or class. Going forward we should be better equipped to face these new realities and disruptions in everyday life, so as to minimize the chaos that comes from new abrupt changes. We should analyze what happens in remote learning and how to improve it, so that if something happens again students will continue their learning.  We should put education first and have stable and equitable funding for schools.  Provide the hospitals with more funding and equipment.  And leaders should be closely watching what is working, and what isn't working during this pandemic, so they can better be prepared for the next emergency, whether it is global or very local (due to mother nature) or some other unexpected thing. Give people a voice and listen to their needs and ideas to promote stronger, healthier communities.  As we move forward in planning our vision for the future, LISTEN to young people because we are the ones that can save the world! Sincerely, Mrs. Siegfried's 7th Graders @ Ockley Green
• My teachers I feel are doing a decent job. Some things that would have been helpful would have been more coordination between teachers because some days I have multiple meets at a time. There is also low attendance to meeting because teachers are saying that they re optional instead of saying that you should come to a meeting if you are able to. Another thing that would have been helpful is if there was a solid day/time when teachers we posting assignments. It has been hard because some days I will not see an assessment because it is posted at a random time of day. On other days it will be Monday morning just before 10:00 and I have no assignments. Robert Gray Middle School
• Перемены Elevating Student Voice by Lane Middle School students
  
  

• Salem-Keizer School District
• What do you imagine could be different and perhaps, even better following this crisis? For your family?  For your community? For Oregon? For the planet?
• Health Guidelines should connect with an ongoing lifestyle. Take care of how we interact with the environment, Conscious of Healthy Living. Now that we are experiencing what it is like, everyone is inside and hoping something good will happen. For USA versus other countries, we are more resistant to these rules and it effects problems for the planet. People should unite (6ft apart) to find comfort and a solution during this. This is a learning experience for everybody and it is history being made. We just hope for the best. Something that could be different following this could be unity. There is a lot involved in this and it could be different than it actually is. For community - education should exclude false information that could lead to more panic. People are changing their perspective and relying on each other. People are reaching out beyond their own little bubble, like neighbors talking to each other for the first time, people taking groceries to the elderly who cannot be outside. More care & compassion arising. One lasting impact could be the general care and concern from the people around you. There are so many things that are changed: Economy, Climate Change Disasters, Wildlife returning, Rivers getting cleaner, Education includes laptop and internet connection for all students in Salem-Keizer, - We can do amazing things. Every student has become an individual with a home and with a family - Teachers are connecting and asking about the “whole student” versus education, expressing true care. People are seeing their instructors for the first time in their homes. Mutual humanity and individuality. THEMES: Kindness, Comfort, Behavior, Unity, Recognition of people who have been working. Increasing Individuality. Early College High School
• What should be Oregon’s priorities during and following this crisis? What opportunities do you imagine?
• Some priorities should be people's health because  COVID19 is spread person to person. In other countries, the government is giving healthcare to citizens who live there (for all). If Oregon keeps health & health care as a priority that would be good. One of our priorities should be preparing and being ahead of it just in case. Opportunities could be with the education aspect and learning about crisis and how to deal with them. How can we learn from this as citizens and as a government? How can we use the experience we have had in planning in the future? For example, CERT & Earthquake preparedness and this experience with the public health crisis could translate to looking at what happened, when, and what the responses were. Use the responses to help preparedness for future crisis. There are a lot of lessons that can be learned from this - like local food production or toilet paper factories. Hope for more science education and better quality for K-12, broader, deeper, higher quality education. Themes: Education, Going Local with gardens/food/factories. Early College High School
• Scappoose School District 1J
• How has your life changed because of school closures and the state’s response to Covid-19? Are there both negative and positive aspects of this change?
• We discussed Covid-19 during a career day study. We discussed, "What should Oregon's leaders be learning from the Covid-19 crisis? First of all, Kinders needed government, leaders and Covid-19 defined for them first. We discussed all of those words. Then they said government and leaders sounds to them like Grandparents telling you what to do. Then they thought people should just get a shot. People get shots to stay healthy. Then they said they missed the furniture most at school. They are tired of being at home and sitting on furniture that is too big for them. They also knew firefighters and police were outside and still working. They are also sad they will not be able to play with the Kindergarten toys next year, because they will be in first grade. These are not the answers I was expecting, but this is how Kindergarten English Language Learners feel. They don't seem to mind being at home, but the furniture issue was their biggest concern, being uncomfortable sitting on large furniture in their kitchens. Grant Watts Elementary School
• What should Oregon’s leaders be learning from the Covid-19 crisis?
• The second and third grade English Language Learning students at Grant Watts think that Oregon Leaders should be learning from the Covid-19 crisis "to stay home, wash their hands, and wear masks." Another student spoke about the stores and wanted people to "ration". "Everything at the store is gone." People should only get "1 toilet paper". "People are worried, shampoo, stuff from the store...don't buy it all!" One student said, "Staying home is rough, my family members help me. My mom gets frustrated and starts yelling." Another student said, "stay home, make sure not to [stand] close to each other, and wash their hands." The students were very engaged discussing this topic. Thank you for asking their opinions. Grant Watts Elementary School
  
• Siuslaw School District 97j
  
• How has your life changed because of school closures and the state’s response to COVID-19? Are there both negative and positive aspects of this change?
  
• This situation hasn't changed my life all that much. Just staying at home a little more than usually, but i still go out and do things normally. This situation has changed things in good and bad ways for me because school is harder than it is actually going to classes and things like that, but in a good way because it has brought my family closer and we get to spend more time together...nothing good over stressed and no motivation to work on the computer and can barely leave the house...it hasn't really done my family good but it's not necessarily bad either so i mean i don't really mind it other then the fact that i can't go see other people....It has negatively impacted our lives. It makes it hard to think straight and motivation to do work has diminished....I am observing 75-80% of students not able to cope or find a way to work in this situation and 20-25% thriving in this situation.  Most of the students thriving are the students that are very social and are unable to focus with peers around.  This situation is the most difficult not being able to provide meaningful support for the mental state of students during this time.  The positive aspect is getting to spend quality time with my family during this time.  I cannot imagine households having to spend time with each other that were already in not great positions to add this extra time especially in domestic violence/abusive relationships.  As for outside of home environment, the improper wearing of masks is a large situation in our area. It would be better to not wear masks unless you feel sick and you must go out.  The improper wearing of masks makes people constantly mess with the mask and touch their face.  It also gives people a false security to be within 6 ft of the next person. Siuslaw High School
• well when we leave we wear masks and gloves in very specific jobs mainly the public stores but, we don't when the houses or store is empty. the positive is that i'm at home and chores aren't as frustrating as they where during school and my family is being safe. however people i care for aren't doing the same, they believe that nothing will happen and it's all nothing to worry about so they don't care if there kids have a bunch of friends over or if they leave to hang out with whoever and it is troubling just the thought that they might bring covid home to their family and friends. Our family has been negatively effected financially. My mother is a server down on Bay Street in Florence. Her restaurant closed and she was laid off. They have reopened but business remains slow and they don't have as many tables for people to sit at. My step dad works for a linen company called Alsco. A lot of their paycheck is based off commission. A big part of my stepdad's route consists of restaurants. His largest account is Bandon Dunes which shut down per the Governerś orders. His paycheck was reduced by over half. He services the hospitals and a few other medical facilities. He had to be very careful to protect himself from getting sick. He had to get another job and is now working 6 days a week and really long hours. My step dad is really tired all of the time and I can tell that both my mom and him are stressed out. It was really nice to have my mom home every night. I have an 18 month old sister. After she was born, my mom started working nights so that myself and other family members can watch my sister instead of sending her to daycare. It was nice to not have to babysit her. We ate dinner as a family every and it was always home cooked. We usually eat out at least once a week, but my parents said that they did not want to waste money. Since I could not hang out with anyone, we went on lots of walks. I missed my family in Bandon but we were able to facetime a lot. I think I probably talked to them more than I would have if things would have been normal. My schooling has been stressful because the directions are coming from different teachers. Every teacher is different. I have a hard time reading something and remember the instructions that I just read. I have not been doing my schooling daily which makes my mom and I fight. I am glad the school year is almost over except I only have a little over a week to get done. I am really behind but I know if I try that I can get a lot done. Siuslaw High School
  
• What do you think learning could be like during and following this pandemic? What are ways your school or classroom could help you learn right now and in the next few years?
  
• For the future I want to go back to school. We need the hands on activities. We need the social interaction and to go through challenges together, NOT alone in our rooms on a computer. The isolation is understandable but in my opinion we can’t live like this. It is not sustainable. Personally I would rather go back to school and sports even if it means risking sickness. I have talked to a lot of people adults and kids and many have a similar opinion. We want to go back to school... My daughter has never flourished more than she has since we have been distance learning!! I feel moving forward this should definitely be an option for those children who are socially awkward and those that seem to do better working out of the classroom environment!! This has been the best thing EVER for her and for our family!! She went from failing to being on tract to graduating early!!!... if its online during the pandemic cut half of the work were supposed to do so like 50% is passing which is happening right now which is great and at least it not pressured on us to have 100% on every class for 2 weeks of work, i would say if people cant meet that margin because of issues that are happening at home then summer school could be a thing for them which is what were doing now but in the summer time which sounds a tad dumb but i think a lot could benefit from it at least that's my take on it all i want is people to succeed in life and not be left behind because of a pandemic happened/ is happening everyone deserves to graduate...Currently, this way of learning is only successful for 20-25% of the students overall that I am observing.  The remaining 75-80% are not able to remain on task or focus long enough to be successful.  I am also seeing a spike in students shutting down and not mentally being able to handle this or make comments that “This is not school”.  As a teacher, being that we are passing students that were passing before and are showing progress in any way makes the teaching position feel obsolete. Holding students accountable or not adding the extra stress are the two ways that I would recommend this current situation should have been handled.  For the fall if social distancing needs to be implemented, maybe having extended school day Mon-Thursday and splitting classes up so students attend 2 days a week such as Mon/Wed, Tues/Th for am or pm to keep class sizes to under 10 per teacher.  Then homework or flipped classroom for two-three other days.  Have Teacher workdays on Fridays to do check ins for students, grading, planning that will need done for the following week. This would allow full time status for all employees and drop class sizes to keep everyone healthy. Staying virtual is not a way I feel is effective for teaching or learning especially for Career Technical/Science programs/classes as the majority of the curriculum is hands on with applied learning. Siuslaw High School
• i think what we are doing now is fine now but they should not think of opening the school back up until they find a cure for this pandemic because until then i do not feel safe around people. my family was the first to react to the news of an outbreak and nobody ells left school until they closed it. Siuslaw High School