Letter to the Editor:
Traditionally, the first week of May is marked by a variety of in-school celebrations in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Students customarily thank our New Canaan teachers with homemade notes and handpicked spring flowers, and parents eagerly line up to volunteer to organize and sponsor thank-you breakfasts and luncheons. As we officially move to remote learning for the remainder of the school year, our teachers have never been more deserving of these thoughtful acts of gratitude.
In the shadow of an unprecedented global pandemic, our dedicated teachers continue to work tirelessly to educate our students through distance learning. With short notice, their roles were redefined as they transitioned their classrooms to their homes, spent hours learning new online educational tools, and worked independently and in collaboration with their peers to establish innovative ways to connect and support students and families. Like all of us, they are also navigating a new way of life, caring for their own families, homeschooling their children, and worrying about the health and safety of loved ones.
In a time filled with uncertainty, our teachers and staff remain firm in their unwavering commitment to their purpose and mission to educate our students. We appreciate and recognize the pivotal role teachers play in the daily lives and wellbeing of our students, providing support, much-needed human connection, and helping them to maintain a sense of hope, normalcy, and routine.
We would also like to acknowledge all the individuals who continue to play a vital role in supporting our teachers and overseeing the ongoing and complex operations of our district: Dr. Luizzi, our incredible team of administrators, school principals, central office staff, guidance counselors, nurses, psychologists, secretaries, campus monitors, coaches, and staff working in the areas of technology, food service, transportation, maintenance, and custodial services.
We hope you will join us this week in thanks and praise of our teachers. We will continue to persevere and support one another, and as a community, we will get through these challenging times together.
With immense gratitude and appreciation,
New Canaan Board of Education
Katrina Parkhill, Chair
Brendan Hayes, Vice Chair
Jennifer Richardson, Secretary
Dionna Carlson
Carl Gardiner
Bob Naughton
Penny Rashin
Julie Reeves
Sheri West
Nice article Katrina. Bravo to all our teachers and staff in our school system for all they do to help educate our children.
We should be so proud and grateful.