Incredible Resiliency

This spring, when the state’s stay-at-home orders came down and the region’s students were moved to distance learning, school and district ocials, faculty and support sta abruptly shifted gears—as did the kids. Here, let’s applaud them all on a job well done, starting with our high school seniors.

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2020!

Most of them were born in the wake of 9/11, lived through the Great Recession and graduated in the time of COVID-19. Their senior proms, sports and academic awards nights, end-of-year dinners, Disneyland trips, traditional graduation ceremonies and Sober Grad Night: cancelled. They face uncertainty in their college plans. But they

“have stayed hardy and optimistic, and we salute them. “Class of 2020—In a time of ends while another one begreat challenge, you are regins. My wish for all of you is silient, strong, and exemplify that you follow your dreams great promise! You will go and achieve great things, be far. Congratulations on your cause the best is yet to come. significant achievement!” Class of 2020, congratulations —Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado on one of many successes!” County Superintendent of Schools —Andrea Howard, Principal Planner, “Congratulations, you’ve conParker Development Company quered this level of education “To the graduating class of and endured COVID-19’s chal2020—Congratulations! You lenges; now go create your have undertaken the first critinew destiny and, remember, cal step on a sure pathway to nothing’s impossible if you success, and I hope that you put your mind to it!” —Brian K. will continue on this course. Veerkamp, County Board of SuperYour whole lives are ahead visor (Chair), Lori M. Veerkamp, of you, and what you have El Dorado Union High School District Board Member the potential to accomplish is incalculable. Your journey “High school going forward will certainly graduation have more of the diversity that is a defining, yet you have encountered, and bittersweet moment. conquered, during your final Virtually overnight, semester of high school. Keep one chapter of life conquering it, and keep perse

vering. Godspeed.” —Vern Pierson,

El Dorado County District Attorney

“Having a grandchild graduating this year, I know how much eort is involved for the student and the parents. Your lives have been actionpacked with school, sports and other activities. You’ve accomplished great things and now have experienced this strange time as young adults with great resilience. I am very proud of the tenacious class of 2020. —Bill Parker, President, Parker Development Company

“Congratulations, class of 2020. I oer these words of wisdom from President Harry S. Truman, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if

”you do not care who gets the credit. ”—John D’Agostini, El Dorado County Sheriff

GIVING THANKS FOR LEADERSHIP

Not one of the people below would want to sit in the spotlight. Instead, they would shine it on the principals, teachers, support sta, board members and, of course, the students. But someone’s got to lead the charge, so let’s give credit where it’s due—to the men and women who make daily decisions that impact the lives of so many in our educational system: the superintendents.

“D uring these unprecedented times, our El Dorado County school district superintendents have navigated tremendous challenges, ranging from supporting families with basic needs to empowering educators in the transition to distance learning. I feel privileged to work alongside these educators, and am grateful for their steadfast strength and leadership.”

—Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools

Jeremy Meyers, Superintendent, Black Oak Mine Unified School District Dr. David Roth, Superintendent, Buckeye Union School District

Matt Smith, Superintendent, Camino Union School District Dr. Ron Carruth, Superintendent, El Dorado Union High School District

Meg Enns, Superintendent, Gold Oak Union School District

Scott Lyons, Superintendent, Gold Trail Union School District

Grant Coˆn, Superintendent, Indian Diggings School District Dr. James Tarwater, Superintendent, Lake Tahoe Unified School District

Natalie Miller, Superintendent, Latrobe School District Annette Lane, Superintendent, Pioneer Union School District Dr. Marcy Guthrie, Superintendent, Mother Lode Union School District Eric Bonniksen, Superintendent, Placerville Union School District

Pat Atkins, Superintendent, Pollock Pines/ Silver Fork School Districts

Cheryl Olson, Superintendent, Rescue Union School District

1

2

3

7

9 4 8

10 5

6

HEROES IN THE MAKING

In mid-March, teachers sent home from their classrooms dove into the digital depths of distance learning, while food service providers and other support sta™ers stepped in to help however they could. Whether setting up virtual classrooms, providing tech help or packing meals for delivery or curbside pickup at bus loops, people helped people, even from six or more feet away.

1. Camino Polytech story time. 2. Despite school closures, Indian Diggings supports students with distance learning and continues their Veggie Starts fundraiser. 3. Placerville Union School District teacher reads story. 4. Lake Tahoe Unified School District delivers meals. 5. Georgetown School of Innova tion teachers Mr. and Mrs. Appleby sing a good morning song. 6. Mother Lode Union School District Superintendent Marcy Guthrie greets families with learning packets. 7. Camerado Springs full inclusion program and Valley View Charter Montessori students engage in distance learning. 8. El Dorado Union High School District food service team at Ponderosa High School. 9. Lake Forest Elementary teacher Amy Schulze spends an afternoon doing mobile visits. 10. Latrobe School packets ready for pick up.