Finally connected with a student on my caseload for the first time this school year.

This student supports three younger siblings during day because parent works. Childcare options are unaffordable for the family so this is only option.

This student frequently logs in, gets directions for period and then logs out because of childcare responsibilities and frustration with technology/learning apps. This student hasn't been given a laptop yet (charter school) so this student uses cell phone exclusively.

A simple lesson on Zoom + assignment on Google Classroom + quiz on Khan Academy becomes a logistical nightmare for this student using phone.

Parent schedule changes frequently and without much notice which is why my calls/texts to family have not been successful.

So many POLICY failures have put me & this student in position where it's December and we finally can sit down and talk.

I blame district leadership. I blame our state and federal government.

I DO NOT blame student and family for trying to survive during a global pandemic.

I wish I had hope that rest of year will be different. But I'm sure that next week when it's time for student to check in for session there will be same challenges preventing student from accessing therapeutic supports.

At the root is a systemic failure. Shame on us all.