T’was the night before school kickoff
In the year two thousand twenty
Does not feel like years past
With all of this uncertainty

Cohort A, B, C, or D?
Class once this week and four days next
Single file, far apart
Can I be honest? I'm perplexed!

The little one's don't realize
That a desk will be their best friend
Six feet away from their peers
From day one until the end

Classes emptied, with arrows
No 'familiars' for kids to see
Will these strict rules be enough?
We know that there's no guarantee

Daily temperature readings
Has your child left the country?
A lengthy checklist exists
And honesty each day is key!

Along with their school supplies
Are hand sanitizers and masks
"Miss, can I take this thing off?"
The same question bound to be asked

Will be no sports after school
And no fun events through the year
Extra curricular's gone
Until this darn virus has cleared

Mental health, so important
Hand washing is so vital too
When is it that Teachers teach?
Perhaps they're wondering that too!

Nothing's allowed to be shared
No pencils and surely no hugs
"Please do not touch that, Sweetie!"
(Hoarding her "World's Best Teacher" mug)

Kids will be kids as they say
And touching stuff is what they do
How does one police fingers
With merely a few simple cues?

We'll be thinking of Teachers
And all the Students too, of course
This year presents challenges
With some strategies hard to endorse

Custodians, Bus Drivers
Receptionists, and Volunteers
Coming together, separately
Each battling his or her fears

But, as anything life throws,
We will all surely make it through
'Cause leading by example
Is what adults are made to do!

So as parents we should be
As understanding as we can
To both Teachers and Students
And let's be patient with this plan!

A potential saving grace
Is that kids somehow find a way
To make us laugh when things are tough
Brightening up our darkest days

Togetherness and learning
And being as safe as we can be
Are the only rules this year
I hope for once we all agree!