Fellow teachers and parents,
we know this year will be different but we are not without hope for a positive school year.
The children in our care are with us for just this one year and we hold the responsibility to infuse this one year with compassion, positivity, and love.
We are a creative people. Our tried and true methods, traditions, and best practices may have to change due to the pandemic, and yet we cannot underestimate the innovation nor the passion of educators. People who can bring beauty to the world with construction paper and a glue gun can certainly bring joy to the classroom in spite of the Covid.
This is an opportunity to stretch ourselves beyond the norms. We cannot change what we cannot change. What can we do? We can smile with our eyes while our faces are covered in masks. We can use loving words to comfort when we cannot offer a hug. We can add color and cheer to our atmosphere in spaces that previously held carpets or shared supplies. We can love so fiercely that children grow and thrive as people. We can celebrate successes with enthusiasm that builds self-esteem. We can model compassion and integrity that inspires personal growth. We can teach our content with a passion that leads to comprehension and mastery.
We can trust that the God who created these children has entrusted them to our care and that the 2020-2021 school year has not surprised our great God. Educators have always been pioneers and we will seek God as we pave the way for a school year in which children will thrive.
Our tried and true methods may have changed, but our strengths as educators have not been cancelled. Loving classroom environments whether virtually or in person have not been cancelled. Our joy has not been cancelled.
May we embrace this school year with faithfulness and devotion to children and to education.
Parents and administrators, we thank you for your support and cooperation. Together, we will overcome our current circumstances and will seek to make this the best possible year for the children in our care.
I recognize that this is the only third grade year that my students will have and I will honor this year. I will teach and love each child the way I hope my own three children will be loved and taught.
You have my word. This is my promise.
From my heart to yours,
~Courtney (Mrs. Stanford, that is.)
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