Routines Matter
A breath of fresh air … those are the words I use to describe my son's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Robinson, in the midst of chaos. Our daily life and routine changed drastically in a matter of weeks, but Mrs. Robinson put amazing learning and connection into place. I'll never forget driving away from the first week of packet pick-up as tears fell down my son's face. Life was changing. A new normal was about to begin. That new normal, though, has been enlivened by Mrs. Robinson. Every day she meets virtually with my son to keep a routine that he loves so much—calendar time. It may seem trivial to many, but calendar time—with worship, dancing, show-and-share, and more—is so much to a 5-year-old! Not only does he get to see his teacher smiling, he gets to see his 12 best friends that he's spent the past 8 months with. The giggles and smiles are priceless!
—Robin Schuhmacher, Peace with Christ Christian School, Aurora, Colorado
Great Communication
All of my children's teachers are reaching out daily and communicating with us even when they're unsure of how this will go. With constant changes from above related to both instructional platforms and teaching strategies, they're doing all they can to stay connected with their students and families—even as parents are angry and stressed and not always kind. Even as they struggle with teaching their own kids at home, with their own fears and worries. These teachers are giving us everything they have.
—Hannah Grieco, Arlington Pubic Schools, Arlington, VA
Celebrations Are Important
My daughter's 3rd grade teacher remembered to celebrate her birthday on the first day of remote learning! She then checked in with each student in the class individually to make sure they were doing OK. Amazing human!
—Eden King, West U Elementary, Houston, Texas
Virtual Preschool
There's been a burst of creativity and a speedy creation of an at-home remote learning model of our daughter's preschool. It's an inspiring mix of content, including weekly exploration ideas, daily videos with tutorials, teacher/kid video check-ins, morning circle time via Zoom, story time, and even the CLC Hootenanny. It's remarkable (and heartbreakingly sweet).
—Jeff Magness, Children's Learning Center of Morningside Heights, New York, New York
Normalcy in the Midst of Chaos
I am extraordinarily thankful for the teachers in Newport News Public Schools. They're not only dedicated to ensuring that learning continues, but they are also highly invested in the social and emotional wellness of the students. They are planning engaging lessons, despite the shutdown, where students can take virtual trips and learn more about the world, art, music, and more. Teachers are reaching out regularly to check on families and students, and to offer normalcy in the midst of chaos. From meals-to-go, packet pick-up stations, neighborhood car parades, and just plain love, the teachers in Newport News Public Schools are exceptional, and I couldn't ask for more as a parent. Thank you, teachers, for all you're doing, juggling, and managing for the wellness of our students. You are so very appreciated!
—Kelly McCoig, Newport News Public Schools, Newport News, Virginia
Staying in Touch
My daughter's teacher, Mrs. Jaeger, has consistently stayed in touch through email, offering different types of resources to make sure that my daughter has what she needs to continue her education successfully. It has been helpful and nice for Mrs. Jaeger to still find ways to stay connected. My daughter loves school and misses being in class with her peers learning.
—Jasmine Wallace, Skyline Elementary in Tacoma School District, Tacoma, Washington
Feeling Prepared and Engaged
The school, my child's teachers, and the whole staff is doing extremely well in these different and difficult circumstances. My daughter is fully engaged in her learning. She looks forward to completing her assignments, and that is mainly due to her teachers. Each teacher is providing assignments and instruction that are aimed at effective learning and fun engagement: FlipGrid videos, Zoom chats, creative lessons, interactive messages, and phone calls. It's a plan prepared in short time with great results so far. When school starts again in person, students and teachers will have acquired more teaching and learning skills and will have a stronger, more solid and engaged relationship.
—María Rossana Acuña-Nasralla, Lawrencebrook Elementary School, East Brunswick, New Jersey
Rockin' It
My son's 3rd grade teacher has been a rock star since day one of the pandemic crisis. She had the class organized to learn with fun and engaging ways to connect. She built such a strong classroom community during the year and has maintained this through distance learning. We are so lucky to have Mrs. Hughes as our son's teacher.
—Katie Madigan, Randolph Elementary, Arlington, Virginia
