School Reopening Community: Learning Beyond COVID-19

I am LaDonna Washington a physical education teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish School District. I am a coach at Capitol Middle. I am also blessed to be a licensed nurse. My students are the best part of my job, My heart aches for you all. I find my self wondering what they are doing and how they are coping. To all the students, faculty, administration, the community and the entire world, we will get through this and when we do, we will know first hand how to be greatful. Until then EBR, stay strong, stay safe and share love from a distance .

I am an ENL teacher in a middle school in New York City and I miss my students dearly. I make a difference everyday by holding "office hours" daily @1PM where students drop in via Google Meet and get clarification on assignments, technical help, resources (how to make a mask, get free internet etc) or just to say hello. It is the highlight of my work at home day to be there consistently for my students.

Hi my name Gay and teach gifted students, grades 3-6 in Alabama. When school closed I was heart broken because my students would not have the challenges I present to them in science. I decided to create videos with hands-on investigations that used materials around the house or easy to purchase. I created a YouTube channel and posted my videos on Google Classroom. I am grateful to be working in my school district who understands the learning curve of online learning. I am thankful for everyone who is the frontline taking care of the needs of people. Thank you for the support you providing to educators during this difficult time!

Hello, I am Maria L. Reyna and teach Dual Kindergarten in Sullivan City, TX. Every Monday I send a friendly homework with links so that the learning process for my students is easily accessible to parents and each child depending on what technology resources or NOT they have access to. I miss them very much so I leave recorded messages for them & am within their reach via calls, email or texts for any help they might need ALL DAY LONG. I'm looking forward to delivering them goodies/supplies with funds I applied for at DonorsChoose.org.

Relationships before content has always been my belief, especially today more than ever. I try to let my students know that I care about them.

I am an Art teacher at a K-5 public elementary school in Jacksonville, Florida. I teach every student in our school, which amounts to about 700 students a week. I knew I cared deeply abut my students, but I did not realize how much I love them until I was separated from them! Our school closed for Spring Break on March 7th, and we have not been in the classroom since (we went virtual on March 23rd). Most of my students are online, but not all. It is the ones who are not online that I miss the most. I feel that they are missing out, because they do not have access to the online community of our school. Our school and our district (Duval County Public Schools) has done a very good job of creating a virtual school. While I am glad to be able to connect with most of my students online, I can't wait to get back in the Art room with them to make Art together!

I work as a speech-language pathologist for Villa Nova MS in Woonsocket, RI. I miss my students in grades 6 to 8; however, I look forward to reaching them remotely every school day. I get to join them live in Hangout & post communication activities for them in Google Hangouts. May is Better Hearing & Speech Month. #BHSM

Hi. My name is Carol Villarreal. I am a reading specialist in Texas. This has been a hard time for all of us, but I have seen students still be engaged with their learning. I am proud of the growth I have see in some of my students during this time. That growth is what keeps me going.