Essential education reporting across America

On the first anniversary of a cascade of nationwide school shutdowns, Chalkbeat is looking back on this toughest of years in education through those who experienced it firsthand: educators, counselors, students, parents.

A kindergarten class socially distances while preparing to leave their classroom at Stark Elementary School on October 21, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Public Schools is continuing the fall semester with a hybrid model of in-class and distance learning, occasionally quarantining individual classes when a student or faculty member tests positive for COVID-19. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
COVID school shutdowns: One year later COVID school shutdowns: One year later
A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, school as we know it has been transformed
On the first anniversary of nationwide school shutdowns caused by the coronavirus, Chalkbeat is looking back on this tough year in education.
By Carrie Melago
 
Avon High School students performed the musical “Bright Star” wearing face shields and masks.
From Chalkbeat Indiana COVID school shutdowns: One year later
‘Constantly on edge’: An Indiana district fully reopens for classes, sports, musicals — and quarantines
The Avon district is trying to have as normal a year as possible in the midst of a pandemic — but it comes with the challenge of students and teachers spending weeks, sometimes adding up to months, out of school for quarantines.
By Stephanie Wang
 
An overwhelming number of emails asking questions about school procedures surrounding the coronavirus.
COVID school shutdowns: One year later COVID school shutdowns: One year later
They sent early SOS signals about COVID and schools. Here’s what life looks like for them, one year in.
Parents and educators sent emails to federal officials early on that foreshadowed what would become the most stubborn challenges for schools during the pandemic.
By Kalyn Belsha and Sarah Darville
 
GettyImages_1284291154.jpg
From Chalkbeat New York COVID school shutdowns: One year later
I’m a first-year teacher during the pandemic. Here’s what helped me find my footing.
New to the classroom this ‘unprecedented’ year, I was plagued with doubt.
By Canwen Xu
 
Joicki Floyd poses for a portrait on her porch in Newark.
From Chalkbeat Newark COVID school shutdowns: One year later
‘This is what I do’: How a Newark teacher called, texted, and trudged through the snow to reach her students during COVID
By Patrick Wall
 
In-person instruction at Denver’s Newlon Elementary School.
From Chalkbeat Colorado COVID school shutdowns: One year later
‘I never ever imagined this’: How the pandemic tightened bonds between parents and teachers at one southwest Denver school
Denver’s Newlon Elementary School has some students at home and some learning in person. On the anniversary of nationwide school shutdowns, here’s a look at how they adapted.
By Melanie Asmar
 
PTS_2.jpg
From Chalkbeat New York COVID school shutdowns: One year later
I’m 17. Here’s how this pandemic year changed me.
At first I was adrift. Then I found purpose.
By Leonel Ramirez
 
Yesenia Peralta is the principal of the Brooklyn Democracy Academy where Dez Ann Romain, the former principal, died from COVID in the early months of the pandemic.
From Chalkbeat New York COVID school shutdowns: One year later
A ‘daunting, dark and difficult’ time: How a Brooklyn school moved forward after losing its leader to COVID
Brooklyn Democracy Academy Principal Dez-Ann Romain died of the coronavirus. Here’s how her NYC school persevered after losing their leader to COVID-19.
By Alex Zimmerman
 
Students line up on colored dots by class in the school gym to wait for their rides after dismissal.
COVID school shutdowns: One year later COVID school shutdowns: One year later
Five things we learned about schools in the pandemic
On the coronavirus anniversary, Chalkbeat reflects on what we’ve learned about schools during a period of disrupted learning.
By Chalkbeat Staff
 
Thomas Fields was the school culture facilitator at Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy in Detroit. He died March 30 from coronavirus complications.
From Chalkbeat Detroit COVID school shutdowns: One year later
‘I don’t want to forget him’: How a close-knit Detroit school coped with the death of a mentor and role model
By Lori Higgins
 
First_Person_Philly.jpg
From Chalkbeat Philadelphia COVID school shutdowns: One year later
These are the lessons from remote learning I’m taking back to campus
We’ve lost a lot this past year. Here’s what we gained.
By Nimet Eren
 
Students leave school for the day following afternoon dismissal.
From Chalkbeat Tennessee COVID school shutdowns: One year later
These Memphis schools were the first to get a COVID scare last year. Their experiences warned of the challenges to come.
By Laura Faith Kebede
 
Icon-heart-donate
If you value Chalkbeat, consider making a donation
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to providing the information families and educators need, but this kind of work isn’t possible without your help.
icon-events

Connect with your community

Find upcoming events

Events