The Daily Odessa, Part 1: The School Year Begins
Feb 26, 2021
Naomi Fuentes, a relentlessly cheery college prep teacher at Odessa High School, shares her experiences navigating the challenges of teaching during the pandemic. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of reopening schools and the delicate balance between safety and community values, particularly regarding high school football. Fuentes highlights the struggles of both students and educators amidst uncertainty, emphasizing the need for connection and support in these unprecedented times. Her insights paint a poignant picture of resilience in the face of adversity.
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First Impressions of Odessa
- Scott Murry, the superintendent, initially found Odessa unappealing due to its flat landscape and abundance of oil rigs.
- He was used to more metropolitan areas like Houston, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
A District in Crisis
- Despite Odessa's challenges, including low academic performance and economic disparity, Murry accepted the job.
- He saw the potential for improvement and a board willing to make necessary changes.
Miss Fuentes' First Day
- Naomi Fuentes, a teacher at Odessa High, expressed excitement for the new school year despite anxieties.
- She prepared her classroom with sanitizer and a face shield, showcasing her morbid sense of humor.