In the spring of 2021, we invited educators and students to submit short reflection on the experience during the COVID pandemic. Over the next weeks, we will be posting responses received as of August 2021 as the new school year. At that time, there was hope that school life could settle into a more predictable routine. Indeed, most schools reopened with in-person instruction, but the “new normal” is hardly free from challenges. Battles over mask-mandates are now waged at school board meetings and in street demonstrations in front of school buildings. Teachers are seeing signs of stress among students, including suicidal thoughts even among elementary age children. Children who are entering school without the benefit of pre-school or kindergarten lack the social skills associated with learning in group settings. Older students who had been socialized into school environments are struggling to readjust. Significant numbers of students are not returning to in-person school, opting for continued in-home, on-line instruction. Schools are not immune to the widespread shortage of workers. Teachers have left the profession. Shortages of substitute teachers are making it difficult for some districts to maintain class schedules. Other districts are unable to guarantee transportation because of a shortage of bus drivers. In short, the hard times are not behind us. Staying connected, sharing experiences, supporting each other can help us ride the waves of uncertainty that lie ahead. Please share your thoughts and encourage your friends and colleagues to do so as well.