Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251513
in the Age of the Coronavirus Students "Some students work, and some don't," said Bushyhead. "It's more difficult because we are not there to keep them on-task like we usually would." For some families on the reservation, connectivity has also been problematic. They rely, instead, on paper packets provided by the district. For these families, Bushyhead's socially- distanced home visits can be particularly helpful. "I want the students and pare nts to feel like they have someone to rely on," said Bushyhead, "someone to make sure that—while our community is staying safe—our students' needs are still being served." While focusing on students' immediate needs, Bushyhead is also encouraging students to look to the future, anticipating additional periods of mandated social distancing and virtual learning before the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end . "There may be another time that we'll go through this. I'm reminding my students that this is a good learning experience and asking them to evaluate how COVID-19 has changed them as students," said Bushyhead. "When we come back [to school] we're going to have to do things differently." Nationally, education support professionals have been vulnerable to uncertainty in shifting job roles, hours, and compensat ion because of the COVID-19 outbreak. When asked about any concern for his job stability during the outbreak, Bushyhead said, "I just want to make sure that my kids are taken care of before I think too much of myself. I appreciate every opportunity that's been given to me, and I'm proud of my district because we're doing what we can for every student and our community." For now, and as we work together dow n the long road ahead, Tom Bushyhead wants students and their families to remember one thing: "We're still in session. Buildings may be closed, but we are still here for you." We're still in session. Buildings may be closed, but we are still here for you. during the COVID-19 crisis? We want to know about it! WEA is actively working to highlight the extraordinary efforts of Wyoming educators to continue providing Wyoming students with a high- quality education during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Please send stories of yourself or colleagues to WEA Communications Director, Amanda Turner at aturner@wyoea.org. Are you going above and beyond to serve students 15