It’s hard to imagine

There was an announcement at the end of school on Tuesday reflecting on the cancellation of Powder Puff football. It was the first time I had heard anything about this year’s game; adapting to virtual and hybrid instruction has dominated most of my school thoughts and time. The announcement sort of jolted me to look beyond my Zoom gallery.

For our comprehensive technical high school with no interscholastic sports programs, Powder Puff football, along with the prom and the class trip, is a highlight of the seniors’ year. Held annually on the last day of school for students before the Thanksgiving break two all-girl teams, dressed in opposing school color jerseys with their names on the back and tear-away flags on their hips, run elaborate backyard plays learned after school in October and November. Some students apply eye black (just like eye shadow, just lower) and tape fingers and ankles to minimize injuries (notice I didn’t say “eliminate”), running and passing while the crowd of classmates, underclassmen, and staff cheer them on. And what’s the prize? For students, it’s bragging rights and taking part in a tradition (OK, it’s bragging rights!). For the school, it’s a major boost to school spirit. In addition to the players and cheering crowd some teachers volunteer to coach, others referee, and the halftime show features the school dance team and a handful of brave graduating male “cheerleaders.” The girls who have come through my program were always excited about playing, and would take advantage of the graphic arts materials in my room to make trash-talking posters and signs. It didn’t hurt that there were always members from both alphabetically-divided teams in my room at the same time.

But not this year. The 2020 Powder Puff game has gone the way of the 2020 prom and the 2020 senior class trip.

It’s hard to imagine this is what it’s like to be a high school senior today.

The cancellation of Powder Puff football made me realize that another tradition had been skipped over. likely never to be attempted again this year. It might seem trivial to us adults in the larger picture of world events, but for students with a limited world view it’s just another example that “life’s not fair.”

As we gather in our own ways to celebrate this national day of thanks, I hope we can find a way to appreciate what is good in our lives and to be optimistic that things will improve. My thoughts go to those who have lost love ones this year; my family has been fortunate, but I do know teachers who will have empty chairs at dinner. I try to be empathetic with my students as they struggle with virtual learning and unknown/unseen issues at home. Because of this detached class structure, I have been unable to build the types of relationships with them that over the years would enable me to better understand them. Even my professional relationships have become distant as meetings are virtual; I only see a small handful of teachers in my hallway, and outside of school I haven’t had a business handshake since March.

It’s hard to imagine this is what it’s like to be a high school teacher today.

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I wish you, your families, and your friends a safe, healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving holiday.