School is Closed for the Remainder of the Year
Last Thursday, on April 3rd, our Governor made the decision that schools would remain closed for the rest of the year. As a parent of three kids (ages 9, 11, and 13), I decided to write an email to the parents of my students. Even though it is awesome to have time with your kids, and be able to be a big part of their educational process, it s overwhelming when it happens and you were not necessarily expecting it.
A Letter to Parents from A Teacher
Good Morning:
This email comes from me as a parent as well as a teacher. I am not sure what the district has in mind for us as teachers, and the direction that education and daily life will go in the next few months. But, what I do know is that this is figuroutable. We were made to thrive. Over the next few months education will look different, but it will be okay.
First- Take Care of Yourself
First, make sure that you as a parent or guardian take care of yourself. Give yourself space, your children will benefit from seeing you make it through this time, and how you do it.
Secondly- Your Best is Perfect
Secondly, try your best. Nobody can ask for more than that. Your effort is what they will remember.
Thirdly-Less is More
Thirdly, less is more. Focus on doing a few things well. Focus on what went well. You can do everything, but you can’t do everything at the same time.
Fourth- Don’t Compare What You Didn’t Do
Fourth, don’t compare what you and your children are not doing to another family. Education and life in general looks very different for each house. Be proud of what you accomplish.
Fifth- Timeouts are a Good Thing
Fifth, it is okay to get frustrated, timeouts are not just for toddlers. They are great strategies for parents and teens. It is okay to walk away from work and come back to it.
Sixth- Focus on 3 and 4
Sixth, focus on 3 good things about each day, spending intentional and quality time with each family member weekly, and aim for 4 out of 7 good days each week.
The unknown is tough. Focus on what you can do. Lean into your strengths as well as your children’s strengths. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Stay Connected And Be Filled With Hope
If there is anything I can do (whether it is the subject area I teach or not) please don’t hesitate to contact me. Sometimes it helps just to run a strategy or idea by another parent or teacher.
Stay connected. Be filled with hope. You are amazing.
Sincerely, Laura McDonell
Enjoying Every Mile 