T'was the Night Before Christmas Break 2020



 Twas the night before Christmas break, and I sat here alone

Staring at my computer, and pondering the past year up to now. 

The schools had shut down on Friday March 13, and

I never got to say goodbye to some of my kids.

The children began this year on the computer,

in hopes that we would soon be in-person together.  

And my students at home, and I in my home

began to get to know each other through the screen of a computer.

When out from the district, they sent out such an email,

that said we had a date to return in-person to school!

Away to the classroom I flew like a flash, 

Decorated, separated, and stashed.

The children arrived and filled up my room,

and as I watched, tears bubbled in my eyes

to hear their joyous songs and greetings of each other. 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

students caring for each other despite the meters.

With laughter and jokes, a few teaching moments

my students called pranks,

I knew very soon this class was special 

as community we built without a single pause.

More friendships were built 

and more learning was done as I proudly exclaimed,

"Now read, now write, now dance and laugh!

On to math and science and social studies too! 

To learn all we can to have fun while we do!

Now share it all, share it all, share what you know!"

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

so my students rose above any challenge that arose.  

Sadly, the cases rose and the positivity rate too;

we soon had to close again on the day of my birth. 

The last time I saw them was another Friday the 13.

As I logged back into Google Meet feeling slightly discouraged,

the children all logged in with smiling faces. 

That first day back we determined all we had to be grateful for 

despite of the circumstances of this present situation.

"We're grateful for computers to continue to learn!"

"I'm grateful for seeing my friends' smiles at last!"

"We don't have to wear a mask!"

"I'm grateful for you, our teacher who cares!"

Over the weeks, the children worked hard and continued to grow

even though we were miles  rather than mere feet apart.

They showed up prepared and were eager 

to grow, to learn, and to laugh. 

When presented with a problem, 

they worked together to find a creative solution or two.

They are patient when technology fails,

and they show each other that they care. 

Great things will happen with these students. 

They will see obstacles as new opportunities

to grow, to think, and to create. 

They have already done so in so many surprising ways

Both in person and through the screen. 

And so as you go on for break, please know I know how hard you have worked,

so have a happy Christmas, and to all a good break! 





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