The end of the first semester is January 22nd. With how much has been going on this year, the year has flown by quicker than it typically does. This year has been quite an adjustment for everyone. COVID has been difficult for everyone, but it has brought some great learning opportunities for us as well. Since it is the start of the year, I would like to share some of the things I have learned and for which I am grateful.
Floodwood School has an amazing staff. Everyone in this building has gone above and beyond to ensure the students are safe, healthy, and are having learning opportunities that are fun and engaging. This is not an easy task considering the activities are happening virtually. Specifically, the custodians have done a fabulous job of keeping our building clean and sanitized; paras are flexible as the schedule changes often based on who is in the building and who is not; office staff are pulled in many directions and work together to get things done; kitchen staff provide meals that are nutritious and delicious for at home learnings as well as in person learners; and teachers are continually trying new activities, new ways to keep students engaged, learning how to support their students virtually, communicating with parents to build a strong team, and caring for the well-being of each student.
With the CARES money, we have been able to purchase Vibe boards for each of the elementary classrooms. This interactive board is like a TV size iPad. It helps with the delivery of lessons as well as a way to share information with the students. This is a great resource for the students and teachers, but requires the teachers to take the time to learn how to use it effectively. I appreciate the teachers’ willingness to always try something new and give it their best effort to make it successful for their students.
The CARES money also purchased Smart TVs for all the high school classrooms. These TVs are replacing the Smart Boards and projectors that have been part of the classroom for more than 15 years. Since this is new technology for the teachers, they need to learn how to use this resource as it is different from the Smart Board.
We continue to worry about the mental health of students and families. These are stressful times as families are trying to navigate school, assignments, virtual learning, work, family life, grades, fun, trying to relax, stress, and stay healthy. Our hope is to make school less stressful for families. If there is something we can do to make things better for your child or your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or me. We will do our best to make things work for your child and your family.
HELP US KEEP OUR SCHOOL OPEN: Please remember to wear your mask over your mouth and nose, wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, social distance keeping at least 6 feet apart, stay home when sick and contact your provider for further guidance, clean and disinfect common surfaces regularly, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid social gatherings.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rae Villebrun
Floodwood School: Preparing all students to succeed.