My Friends,

No one can doubt that there are challenges to parenting in this new ‘normal.’ Between keeping structure and discipline for younger children, keeping older children engaged in their studies, all while carrying out instructions for daily learning from teachers, and meeting a child’s spiritual and psychological needs in a time of uncertainty, it is exhausting! I myself am wearing the hat of Parent to three children of different ages with different emotional needs, Principal making sure our teachers have the resources and support they need, and Teacher directly instructing my students.

With all those challenges, what we have seen in our community is nothing short of incredible! Parents supporting each other with public and private messages of solidarity and encouragement – and a healthy dose of humor too! Parents have also created a prayer chain to support each other in prayer on a regular basis. We have broken down our walls to reveal to each other our worries and imperfections, and through this action of trust, we continue to grow closer as a community.

For children who have birthdays during this time, it may be particularly disappointing to not be able to share a long-awaited birthday treat with their classmates or have a birthday party. Students – and teachers – have taken the time to record birthday greetings or do a social distancing approved drive by to offer a ‘Happy Birthday’ out the car window on their way to or from the grocery store. Even
the 5k classroom pets, tortoises Harriet and Franklin, also got in on the birthday action!

Students are even carrying on our tradition of service and helping others. Here, fifth grader Owen Korsmo works with his grandmother, parishioner Mary Miller, to make masks for masks for nurses and others working to help other right now. Parents and students are getting creative and incorporating new activities into their routines to support their learning from their teachers. Cooking and baking, mechanical projects, art projects, science projects, getting outside and being active, and just having fun! Most of all, we are spending more time with those that mean more to us than anyone else in the world.

Our school families are amazing!

Peace and Blessings,

Mrs. Holly Cerveny