Since the middle of March, the general public may be under the impression that school has been closed, and while the actual brick and mortar of our school is not accessible to students, volunteers, families and even the UPS driver; school is anything but closed. The first week of May is designated as Teacher Appreciation Week so I thought it would be appropriate to provide some insight (and appreciation) into what our staff has been doing while school is “closed.”

Our school nutrition staff has been here every day preparing thousands upon thousands of breakfasts and lunches and then getting on buses or vans, along with a GoRiteway driver, to deliver them to any child under the age of 18. Feeling as if they could do more, they began making some ready-to-heat meals for the weekends as well. The positive energy and sense of purpose can be felt in the air of our kitchen. It’s electric!

The custodial staff has been here each day, not engaged in a summer shutdown and cleaning, but in projects to make our school that much better. Some things are already visible to the public, like the Bobcats design in our fence, while other things (painting) will be something to look forward to seeing when we can open the doors again. It’s beautiful!

Our teacher assistants come to make copies, collate, and prepare mailings of learning packets. They are assembling food bags and delivering them to families as needed. They are engaged in professional development activities that will provide them with additional skills to use when we are given the chance to physically learn together. It’s growth!

Our office staff is coordinating, communicating, and creating opportunities for students to be celebrated and recognized. They continue to serve the entire school community with the multitude of requests and needs, as they do what is needed to wind down one school year and begin to plan for another. They make themselves available long before the school day begins and ends. It’s selfless!

Our teachers are nothing short of heroic as they try to provide the same level of education that your children would have received when they were able to be present in their classroom all day. They are preparing learning opportunities that will meet a wide range of diverse needs and learning styles. They are teacher, tech support, coach and cheerleader. Their expectations and dedication for their students have not been lowered…in fact, they have probably been raised and they do all of this while their hearts are missing their students. It’s inspiring!

And your principal? Well, she is trying to provide some sense of normalcy by “talking” to students and families each morning by posting morning announcements on Facebook. She is meeting with staff all week to connect about the learning and needs of our students and trying to find ways to address both. She is also missing the sounds of laughter and learning that should be echoing through our school, but she knows that we will get through this. It’s togetherness!We have much to be appreciative for and I am filled with gratitude for the staff at Southern Bluffs, not just during the first week in May but the other 51 weeks as well. It’s pride!

The PTO has organized a Giving Tree with classroom gift ideas from Southern Bluffs teachers. The tree was on display at our Holiday Fair and there are some gift ideas left! No need to spend time shopping – we will do the shopping for you! Our hope is that this reduces the stress that families feel both financially and otherwise. This will also provide teachers with items they can use in their classrooms.

How to Participate:

Simply stop into school, shop the tree for a tag of varying amounts (tags are color-coded by grade and teacher’s name is included) and head into the office. Fill out your student’s name in the envelope and include payment (either Cash – exact change only or Check payable to Southern Bluffs PTO) and give to the office staff. Just a reminder although your thoughtfulness is always appreciated, please remember it is not necessary to provide ANY school staff with gifts.