Resilience

            As the year comes to a close, one character trait that comes to mind is resilience.  Way back in August, the decision was made to push the first day of school back one week because the community numbers were too high to open our school doors safely for our students. Teachers used that week to create a new leaning environment for students.  For the next six weeks, they looked for ways to build relationships with students whom they had never met in person. Students and families learned new technology tools and how to navigate Google Classroom.
          Then we got the exciting news, in mid-October, that we could bring our students back, split into two cohorts. Students hadn’t been in our building for seven months! Students learned new words; social distancing, attestation, safety protocols, but they didn’t care they were back with their Jaguar Family! I am so proud of our teachers, families and students.  We say “We can do hard things.”  Well, this has been the test, and yes, the situation has proven that, we can do extremely difficult things.
           In April, we got the green light to return to school full day. Every day became a picnic, literally as we ate outside! The amount of growth we witnessed in seven weeks has been amazing and well worth enduring one more change. Students, teachers and families have been resilient! I began the year, asking for your grace and patience as we navigated new waters.  I want to personally thank you for demonstrating that each and every day.  I understand the golden ticket wasn’t always convenient and waiting in line to drop off and pick up your child was a true test of character but we made it! 
           I. hope you and your family have a restful and joyful summer.  Most of all, I hope you are able to take a break, get outdoors and turn off the screens.  Thank you for being so amazing!
 
Sincerely,
Colleen Crowston
Principal,
East Valley Elementary