T'was the Night Before Christmas Break 2020
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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