Dear Journal: Let’s stay on the same page until schools open with a plan

Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.

Dear Journal,

The outrage machine seems to be fully in gear, again. Or is it always? There’s (another) “simplified” graphic going around social media, “explaining” with bullet points about some new CDC guidelines – no not even guidelines. The CDC document updated May 19 is called “Considerations for Schools.” Maybe it’s semantics but I think ‘guidance’ is a better word for this than ‘guidelines.’ Advising, rather than making rules, there’s a big difference to me. And if anyone wants to know what the CDC actually said, it’s pretty easy to Google that. I clicked the little microphone button and said, “New CDC guidance for schools,” and it came right up. Anyhoo.

Can we PLEASE wait for actual guidelines from our state, from the OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) or the governor? They make actual policy for Washington schools. Or even better, could we wait to hear an ACTUAL PLAN from our local school districts? I promise they are working on one. And I trust that they have the best interests of our students and communities at heart. Unlike whoever writes these “simplified” bullet point lists that are only partly true and fully colored by the anonymous author’s bias and unknown agenda. Are they just trying to make people mad at public schools before they actually hear from public schools? Seems like it to me. Please chill out. Don’t jump on the rage bandwagon just yet.

I trust our school districts are coming up with an actual workable plan to a) keep our kids safe, and b) keep our schools from becoming a hotspot for infection to spread to our families and communities. Because that’s what is going to happen if schools don’t make changes, and those have to be the first priorities. I hope everyone realizes that some changes will have to be made in order for schools to reopen, and I WANT them to reopen! Sure, I know change is hard, and sure, I want to know what those changes will be as soon as possible, but do I think that’s going to come from some pre-digested social media info-graphic? No. That’s the outrage machine doing what it does best. And I for one am not throwing myself into the meat-grinder this time. I. Looked. It. Up.

Song of the day: Zombie, The Cranberries. Or try the beautiful, metal version by Bad Wolves. Yes, beautiful metal. *Head explodes*

Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.