At the close of this very uncommon year, I feel compelled to share with you all of the thoughts that have been on my heart and mind. 

 

All year, we, the educators, have been the recipients of your grace, kindness, and fierce loyalty. It is now my turn to honor and name the immensely difficult (to put it kindly) year you have endured. 

 

I see you. 

 

I have been witness to your intense strength this year. I have seen the struggles and triumphs – those glorious days that the mornings were smooth, your children logged on with ease, the internet worked, and everyone was dressed.  Ah, those wonderful days!

 

But you have been tested beyond belief. You have been asked to shoulder the weight of this pandemic – through uncertainty, loss, and your own measure of fear. 

 

I am humbled by you. 

 

There has been frustration. There have, undoubtedly, been tears. Those quiet moments you didn’t know if you could make it. Tremendous changes to navigate. Unyielding challenges to overcome – day after day after day.  

In the blink of an eye, you became teacher, teaching assistant, mentor, cheerleader, boundary-keeper, emotional support person, coach, socially distant activity planner, play date, and, at times, what felt like warden.  The ground shifted beneath your feet. How to balance? How to stabilize? How could you manage it all? 

 

Exactly the way you did – Perfectly Imperfect, as so many times it goes. I am here to ask that you not judge too harshly your response to chaos. You did it exactly as it was meant to be. 

 

Your kids are better from this experience with you as their lead. There are countless gifts given to your children that can never be taken away: 

 

Time, togetherness, and your undivided attention – More time together than we could have ever imagined.  You played games, built towers, talked, laughed, read books, baked, cooked, worked, napped, and binged watched Netflix and movies and more – all, together. 

 

You have modeled, on a daily basis, Grace, Resilience, Problem-solving, Vulnerability, Honesty, Grit, Leadership, Coping strategies, Strength, Weakness, Courage and absolute Love and Devotion. 

 

These are the things that will not be forgotten. These are the lasting gifts of the pandemic. Even with so much loss, we have gained so much in return.  

 

Please know, I am, education is, forever in your debt. We are a Team. I know now, like never before, how much we can rely upon your support. I owe you HUGE for the part you played in our school’s successes this year. YOU made this year happen for your family. You did an amazing job. 

 

Thank you. YOU ARE MY HEROES! 

 

In Service, 

Sharon Collins 

Executive Director, Westgate Community School