Let's start re-imagining 2 Feeling celebrated

Dread. Anxiety. Panic. 
The CDC has issues guidelines for schools to consider when reopening and many are not taking these guidelines well.

I think it's important to remember that these guidelines are meant to minimize spread and maximize public health. Their website reminds us of their vision: "saving lives; protecting people."
The CDC is not saying this is how schools must be now and forever. These are suggestions to reduce the spread of a deadly pandemic. (No one is saying desks 6-feet apart should be best practices forever.)

I'm choosing to keep re-imagining education and ask how to use this moment in history as an opportunity for change.
 
Here's my ask:
I want an orientation to 8th grade during which I get to conduct a 6-question interview with each student. The same way we signed families up to pick up their locker contents at the end of the school year, we can organize for them to have a conversation with me about who they are and what they want their education experience to be in my class.
Could this be held virtually? Possibly. There are many ways to make this happen.

The logistics are less important than the "why." Every year I give out end of the year awards that are based on characters from history. EVERY CHILD gets an award because they all have something to celebrate. It hurts my heart that I had to wait until the last week of school to celebrate these kids this way. It hurts for a very selfish reason. I thought many of them endured my class but many had positive things to say and I'd wish I'd known that sooner. Why? Because it feels great to be celebrated.
Why can't school make kids feel celebrated every day?