Since DrivingMBA re-opened in late May, we’ve had time to readjust to our “new reality” in a very new environment. Life in the United States continues to be in flux, and the virus continues to hover over our everyday lives. I imagine that all of us are tired of the words Coronavirus and COVID-19. At the beginning of 2020 it felt as though there was great hope with the turn of a new decade. Now, it feels like: “please let this year be over!”

Aty DrivingMBA we are grateful that since our reopening, our customers have been helpful and respectful of the new health and safety protocols, and our staff continues to be diligent about ensuring all of our new protocols are followed. While some of our surfaces are feeling a “little sticky” from the disinfectant, I don’t think the interiors of our vehicles, simulation labs or offices have been cleaner.

We miss not having the office buzzing with students and parents. Students are limited to specific waiting areas and the parents that can enter the building are limited, everything feels different. I miss not being able to do Part ONE of the Coaching Class live and I look forward to the day that we can safely have that class back in the classroom where we can interact with each other! But until then, I want to remind you that doing that coaching class on-line early in the process is really important. It will help you with decision making and during practice driving with your student.

I do want to remind customers and those of you that may be considering DrivingMBA for your student, if you are traveling particularly by plane, we request that you notify us so that we can schedule you appropriately. If you have traveled by car and you have or will practice social distancing while away, we will put you on the schedule. However, if you have been places where people beyond your immediate family are gathered, (beaches, restaurants, gyms, bars, weddings, birthday parties, etc. )then we need a 14 day waiting period between the time you get back from your travel to the time you are placed on our schedule. It is incumbent upon me to provide the safest workplace possible for our employees and the only way to do that is to limit their exposure to those who have been exposed to a lot of other people. Of course, it is getting more and more difficult to manage contact, but we ask that you be honest with us and help us keep everyone safe.

Going back to school is going to present its own challenge. August in Arizona means families are preparing for back to school. Unfortunately, once again, there is a raging political debate as to whether having students back in the classroom is safe for students, teachers and administrators and by extension, the families of students, teachers and administrators they go home to each day. If your students are going back to the classroom, we would appreciate it if you would inform us. The information from the CDC and other sources is not a “positive picture” about having students back in the classroom given our current state with COVID-19. I checked the plans of some of the school districts and private schools and it appears as though most are not planning in-classroom learning until at least September. DrivingMBA will also continue to assess our risk once the decision is made to have students go back into the classroom.

You may find this article helpful as you consider the pros and cons of sending your children back to school. 9 Ways America is having the wrong conversation about ‘reopening schools’

This will be a devastating decision for our school and civic leaders to make. Suffering is sure to follow any choice, no matter how thoughtful.

As we continue to navigate this new terrain together, we will work with our students and parents to ensure we’re all staying safe and healthy – for ourselves and our loved ones.