An Open Letter of Thanks to Our Teachers

by Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal

A year ago, our world was turned upside down. We packed up students and sent them home with learning materials for what we believed to be a 3 week pause. Those 3 weeks turned into 3 months. In those 3 months, you explored the world of Zoom, Seesaw, Google Classroom, and so many other programs. You were once again students trying to solve a difficult problem. You worked all hours of the day and sometimes the night to make learning applicable to your students. You cried when you believed your best wasn’t good enough. Your home became your classroom and the boundaries of your work and home life blurred.

Fast forward 3 months and we were looking at starting a new school year. Now in addition to building on our knowledge of remote teaching we added the in-person requirements of masks, physical distancing, and frequent cleaning. You moved classrooms, furniture, created classroom protocols, and sorted supplies so each child would have their own materials. You figured out ways to integrate remote learners into your classroom and you patiently helped parents figure out how to get their children on the Zoom call.

Six months later, here we are. Our students are learning, Our days, while exhausting, are beyond rewarding. In the past year, you have overcome challenges, faced remote learning head-on, and embraced learning in new and different ways. Thank you for the past year and for all you have done to keep students at Lansing Christian School learning.