Follow along for updates on how a small town WI teacher is handling the Covid-19 crisis.
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An open letter to my students
My dearest kiddos,
It has taken me a while to formulate what I wish to say to you all. Even now, I am not sure if I will say all the right words to show you what I am feeling, but here it goes, an open letter to my students.
When we left for our spring break back in April, none of us had any idea that it would be the last time we would be together. We were excited for the break in our school routine! Who knew it would be a routine changer for the rest of our school year.
Take Time to Reflect
I want to take a moment to acknowledge how difficult this transition has been. It seemed like our world was changing hour by hour, minute by minute. I wonder if you felt as lost and confused as I did at times… That being said, I want to commend you on the amazing job you did handling this situation. You adjusted your schedules, picked up new work hours, helped out with family, and made time to do your schoolwork. It may not have been easy, and for some of you, I know it was an extremely tough situation at home. Thank you for hard work and dedication.
Even though our class content may not have been what it should be during our time away, I hope you learned some other life lessons. Please take the time to reflect on what you have gone through.
You Have Gained SO Many Skills
You have the ability to be resilient to intense changes in your life. This will not be the only time that your world will flip upside down. Remember the good and the bad ways you handled this situation. Next time can be better.
Time management is a HUGE skill and is not always easy to master. Some of you had the new task of balancing work, school, and family!
Communication is the key to success. If you are struggling, lost, confused, etc, asking for help is the BEST thing you can possibly do. As your teacher, it was really tough when I was met with silence. I had no idea how you were doing or handling things. I appreciated it more than you know when you reached out to me because it helped me understand how I could best assist you. Some of my favorite teaching moments this year was during our two plus hour long Google Hangouts just to get caught up. I missed seeing you.
I really hope that your biggest take away is how much your teachers care and support you. We love you all, and we really want to do what is best for you. Remember that next year and please, use us for the support!
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a whirlwind. We saw a crisis between the U.S. and Iran, Australia on fire, Covid-19 and lock-downs, protests over lock-downs, murder hornets, and Black Lives Matter protests, just to name a few. I want you to take a moment and step back from 2020. There are so many lessons to be learned about the world, our country, and yourself during these times.
Look Toward the Future
Recognize the bad in the world. It does no one good to ignore what is happening around us. But then I have a challenge for you, do something about it! I hope you can see the power that young people have. Your voices are being heard. Now is not the time to crumble and fall, but rise and conquer.
Recognize the good in the world. Out of many of these crises we have seen the best come out in people. What good can you add to the world during this time? Above all, remember to be kind to each other.
Some of you had to grow up really fast these past few weeks, and for that I am sorry. Don’t worry too much about what the next school year will look like. I hope that you can take the time to enjoy the summer break and just be a kid again. And if you see me around town, please say hello!
In closing of this open letter to you, my students, I love you, I miss you, and I hope to see you again soon.
-Mrs. Pettit
Shop our Educational Resources at Booksamillion.comWant to learn how I first handled the Covid-19 crisis? Click here.
Such a beautiful letter, Im sure your students will really appreciate it! What subject/grade do you teach? https://mathsux.org/
Thank you so much! I teach high school Social Studies, mostly 9th grade this year. What an interesting introduction to high school they had..
Nice! I switched careers but still tutor high school math. It must be so hard for students right now.
It really is, but as I said in my letter, I hope they have gained a lot of other useful skills because of this!
Great post! I just graduated college last week, but I find this advice still applicable to me and my life. Thank you so much for sharing!
Congrats on your graduation! I’m glad you found my advice applicable!
This is so lovely! I am sure you are right that will have been able to gain lots of extra skills!
Amber – The Unpredicted Page
I’m completing my 2nd year thesis for my master’s program & I’m thankful that my program is mainly online because there was not many changes I had to make compared to many other students including my friend who was studying abroad. Even so, it has been a challenging time for me & it would be good to take the time to reflect.
Congrats on completing year two! I hope your reflections go well.
Thank you!