Back To School in 2020

No matter how your back to school routine looks this year, one thing remains the same. Days are about to be busier, more hectic and simple meals for dinner are an even bigger priority! 

As I mentioned before, our oldest is doing in person learning at his private high school. We are two days in, and he said they are doing their absolute best to keep everyone separated, safe and healthy. LOTS of hand sanitizer and teachers reminding students to use it often. (I have images of these teachers chasing around 15-18 year olds with the bottle of sanitizer and it makes me giggle.) Masks are required the entire day except if they can social distance (thanks to a smaller student body and plexiglass screens, this is possible in a few classes), lunch and gym. (Yay for nice weather and gym outside!)

When the mask mandate first came down the pipeline, which for our school was announced back in June, long before it was a state wide rule, I had one angry teenager. I can't blame him. I hate wearing a mask too, soaked in sweat the whole time, and sitting in one for the entire school day does not sound fun. But over the next weeks he accepted the fact if he wanted to be with his friends, and have some sense of normalcy, it wasn't up for debate. 

I can honestly say he hasn't complained one bit about it either. Okay, there was a classroom that still doesn't have AC (it's supposed to be coming soon) and by the end of the first day, it was about 100 in there even with fans, and he said that was kind of miserable, but that would have been the case even without a mask. 

My point? Our kids are more adaptable than we give them credit for sometimes. I see these kids coming out of school every day and they are smiling. They are laughing. They are more than accepting of the rules knowing it's how they get a piece of their lives back. Who knew it would take a pandemic to get teens excited about school again? 

 

Their attitudes towards this entire crappy situation will be formed at home. I've seen so many parents say "Oh who cares. I'm not buying school supplies or clothes. They will be back home again in a few weeks." Well, no offense, but teachers and school administrators have enough to worry about without parents letting their bad attitudes seep into their kids. They certainly don't need kids coming every day with a "who cares" outlook. It all starts at home, and the biggest way we can all support our schools is to have a optimistic attitude, even when we don't want to.  

Some sports are back in session around here too. Of course not in the same way they have been other falls, but they are practicing and playing. I just told a friend the other day how amazing it is to see kids being kids again. 

Some of you I'm sure are freaking out just reading those words. Sports? School? Now? I just can't. I don't feel it's safe. And that is okay too. Every single family has to decide what is best for them, and that is the right choice--the one you make. The end. Don't let anyone allow yourself to second guess that. We are all swimming in murky waters, and have no idea what is going to change day to day. 

Yes, we sent Alex back to school and supported his school's choice of in person only. But we are very thankful Max is only 4, not old enough for school, and we had long ago decided to home school him for preschool at least another year. I just don't think I could send him off for the first time, away from mommy, plus all the new restrictions added onto it. But I know other parents aren't as fortunate as me and have to do just that, and I don't judge them. 

I've actually been holding onto this recipe for a while now because I knew I wanted to debut it for back to school. A simple, slow cooker meal, that is pure comfort on a plate, perfect after a long day of school. No matter if it took place inside a school or at the kitchen table, everyone is still tired and worn out at the end of the day. 

We love this with some white rice, but it would be so delicious with mashed potatoes too! I even think it would be great with some egg noodles on the side and the gravy over top. 

2020 has brought so many challenges to the world, and at the top of that list is what to do about schools, our kids, learning and their well being. No answer is 100% perfect, but every choice should be supported and parents should be lifting one another up. So when a friend says "We chose ___ for our kids" the only response needed is "That's great. I know it wasn't easy and I'm glad you made the right one for your family."

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

2 lbs. ground beef

1/3 c. panko breadcrumbs

3 TBS milk

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 TBS dried minced onion

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

8 oz. white mushrooms, sliced

1 white onion, sliced

1 packet brown gravy mix

1 1/2 c. beef broth

1 TBS ketchup

1 TBS Dijon mustard

1 1/2 TBS dried parsley, extra for garnish

2 TBS cornstarch

1/4 c. water

2 TBS vegetable oil

Salt and Pepper 

In a large bowl mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, dried onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well with hands and form 6 patties. Heat vegetable oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Brown patties for 2 minutes on each side. Place sliced white onion and mushrooms in bottom of Crock Pot. Add beef patties. Combine beef broth, gravy mix, ketchup and mustard. Pour over patties. Cook on LOW for 5 hours. Remove patties and set aside. Combine water and cornstarch. Add to Crock Pot and turn temp to HIGH. Cook for a few minutes until thickened. Add beef patties back to mixture. Coat with sauce and serve.

Inspired By Spend With Pennies

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck