Lower School

In looking back on one of the most unique years of my life and career, there have been multiple challenges we have feared, faced and overcome. Never in my life would I ever have thought I would have to communicate with my students via Zoom, Email, Seesaw, phone, mail and not in person. Never did I ever think I would not be able to hug my little ones each and every day. Never did I ever think I would not be able to give my students high fives as we pass each other throughout the day. Unfortunately, that day came on March 13, 2020 when we shut our doors and began learning remotely.

One of the biggest blessings for the 2020-2021 school year was being able to return to campus and see all of my kiddos even if their faces were covered behind a mask. A true focus in my classes last year was communicating behind the mask, that our body language is vital, and that our eyes do “talk.” We would as a Lower School have to figure out ways to show emotion despite wearing these masks. Our amazing K3 teachers would encourage their little ones to wear their masks by telling them that they were superheroes and that superheroes always wear their masks. Through all of these trying times, I have seen strength, resiliency, love, and kindness. I have seen teachers give their all each and every day to make learning fun and help their students thrive. I have seen parents not only work with their children, but balance that along with jobs, families, and loved ones. I have seen students lose their parents to COVID-19 and still show up with smiles on their faces. Recently, I came across a quote that really spoke to me, “through darkness comes light, through fear comes love and through pain comes triumph.” We have certainly seen darkness, fear and pain this year, but I wholeheartedly feel that we have triumphed and are now stronger in mind, body and spirit!

What was the most challenging part of your 2020-2021 school year?

The most challenging part of my year was not being able to have the families of our students on campus as much last year. I feel the casual relationship building moments with grandparents, lunch visitors, book fairs, classroom speakers, etc. were reduced with limited visitors.

What surprised you about last school year?

The flexibility of our students and staff pleasantly surprised me most last year. Our school has proven social, emotional, physical, and mental resilience.

After each school year, we analyze how we can make the next one better. With the trials and tribulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, what has changed for the better?

We have become a tighter knit community and learned to release our roles to truly be ONE team. Success was proven during a time of trial, which increased motivation to teach and persevere differently. I think we are all better and more thorough educators for leading others successfully during a pandemic. The best is yet to come!