How kids are coping while in isolation — and their parents, too

SALISBURY — When I asked Gwen Fitch, a fourth grader at Salisbury Central School (SCS), if she likes the whole situation of being at home she replied, “It’s just that the classroom is a nice place to work!”

Which was surprising, because many other students I spoke to claim they prefer their own home environment. She said one perk for her at home is being able to spend time with her dogs, Dosa and Chester.

Genevieve Bushey, a senior at Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS), said she is overwhelmed by the amount of homework she is getting. The good side?

“Sleeping in, mostly,” she responded. Also, as many other students are, she is sad she cannot see her friends.

Second grader Claire Fiorillo does two hours of schoolwork each day. But she adds in a little bit of fun between, such as baking a cake and making a banner for her brother’s birthday.

Her brother, Ben, a fifth grader at SCS, was excited to share his thoughts about being home-schooled: “It’s awesome! Lots of walks, breaks, outside time, drum practice and a flexible schedule!”

Second grader Gibson Will quite enjoys being at home. Although she misses her friends, she is happy to be home. She recently got an iPad just for this new type of learning. She loves being able to sleep in a little more than usual.

Alicia Fitch, the Salisbury parent of an SCS fourth grader, said,  “It’s been a challenge. I’m trying to work and she [referring to her daughter] is having trouble staying focused. There’s a lot of pushback that I don’t think happens at school. Maybe I’m just more demanding than they are at school. It’s nice that she can go out and play on the trampoline, but … it’s isolating.”

Natalie Will, the Salisbury parent of an SCS second grader and kindergarten student, said that, “To prepare for home schooling, we did a lot of research on technology to ensure we were prepared to support them in our home.

“We purchased the kids their own iPads, which was a significant expense but invaluable in getting them online with the apps and programs they need for class.

“Having them able to work independently on their own devices also makes it easier, as our entire family is working from home currently.

“To help organize our day, we’ve implemented an academic checklist for each girl’s work and have also set them up in their own spaces, which has helped keep them focused and out of each others’ hair! We appreciate how supportive and creative the teachers at SCS have been during this difficult time.”

Stacey Fiorillo, parent of an SCS second grader and fifth grader, said, “It’s been nice for the kids to take ‘as needed’ breaks. If they need to stop doing schoolwork and play the drums, or go for a walk, they can. It’s also been fun to get creative with subjects.

“I was feeling rather inundated with emails, which was overwhelming, but on the flip side it’s relaxing not having to be anywhere.”

Laura Bushey, parent of one HVRHS freshman and one senior, said, “It’s been difficult juggling not being able to work [she is a personal trainer] and being stuck at home. The kids are having trouble with the social isolation and wanted to have sleepovers They aren’t happy when I tell them ‘no.’

“It’s also hard to think about the future. What will happen with graduation? The lacrosse season? My girls were going to be on the same team for the first time. It’s sad to think about it possibly not happening.

“As a family we are watching movies together, hiking and playing lacrosse. So, that’s been nice.”

Eloise Mallett is a fourth grade student at Salisbury Central School and a Lakeville resident. Her mother, Lenore Mallett, did the parent interviews for this article.

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