Monthly Archives: May 2020

Thank you!

Phew! Can you believe that it’s already been nearly 2 months since we’ve been in school? These past 53 days have been some of the strangest that I’ve ever had and navigating our new normal has been trying to say the least. One of the things that have made this unthinkable transition to at-home learning possible has been your support.

You have jumped in and accepted your role as Educator, even as expectations shifted, questions arose, and frustration boiled over. You created schedules, relearned fifth-grade math, and became a technology troubleshooter overnight. You understood that learning can happen in many different ways, and embraced the ability to teach with games, connect with family, and explore nature.

It was likely not all sunshine and rainbows every day. You dried tears, cried your own, and kept moving forward.

For all that of that and more, I truly thank you and applaud you.

Throughout this year I have often thought to myself how amazing this group of parents has been. Before the year started, our classroom was stocked with Clorox wipes, kleenex, sticky notes, and countless supplies to get us through the year. When I asked for help with parties, our signup was full within the week and you all came together to create beautiful memories for our class. I hope that you know that I’ve appreciated every email, every note, and every story that has been shared with me, even before this pandemic.

When trying to find silver linings, I count my blessings that we were able to end the in-person part of the year with conferences. I so loved seeing your faces, sharing in the excitement of middle school, hearing your laughter, and gushing about your amazing children. You have made it very easy for me to honestly say that I could have never asked for a better group of parents.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, it is only right to honor you. In a typical year, we acknowledge that parents, as the first educators of their children, have shared their well rounded little learners with us, teachers. We usually celebrate that, at home, your children have learned love, grace, caring, and kindness. We are normally proud that our students are reading at home every night, practicing writing or storytelling, and reinforcing math facts with you.

And in a typical year, our appreciation is sincere and heartfelt.

This year is not typical by any means.

This year I struggle to find the words to express my gratitude to you.

It seems trite to thank you for all that you do. While I wish that I could open my heart for all of you to see and fully understand just how special you have been to me throughout his year, and especially of late, I’m already at 462 words and still haven’t found quite the right ones.

Perhaps a banal thank you is enough. So thank you. Thank you for going above and beyond. Thank you for your teamwork. Thank you for emailing, troubleshooting, brainstorming, encouraging, asking, and offering. Thank you for adapting. Thank you for your patience and grace. Above everything else, thank you for sharing your amazing children with me this year.

Georgetown Teachers made this Flipgrid to help show our love and appreciation of you. Our staff truly believes in the “it takes a village” mindset for raising our students. We as a staff are truly blessed to be part of that village with you. Thank you, parents!