Dear PVES Families,
I hope that this letter finds you well, and that you and your loved ones are all safe, healthy, and comfortable in your homes. I also hope that your children were able to enjoy the creative and engaging learning activities provided by our teachers this week. The children should look forward to receiving their new teacher correspondence and assignments by Monday. You are all doing such a wonderful job with the distance learning, and although this online format learning certainly has its challenges, I am beyond proud of our school community. We are working together to model grit and positivity for our young ones in these unprecedented times, and the reassurance and support that we can give the children is so very important. Thank you so much for all that you are doing to keep the days calm, engaging, productive, and happy.
If your child is having trouble dealing with any stress or disappointment at this challenging time, this article may be of help to you: https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief. Please reach out to our school counselor or psychologists if you would like to discuss any emotional concerns you have about your child during this time. We do hope that you are all able to enjoy some sunshine, fresh air, and quality family time every day, but we know that this disruption in “normal life” is stressful for many.
Recently, our Character Ed Committee worked with our PTA to provide a wonderful author visit by Dr. Carol Franks-Randall. This week, this published author was kind enough to send these read-aloud videos and activity links for all to enjoy. If you would like to watch these read-alouds with your children, you will see that the students may be very familiar with these stories, and their important central themes. Once again, I thank the PTA for purchasing a “Playground Heroes” book for each class in our school, and I thank this kind author for offering these videos.
Read Aloud links: Enjoy!
youtube.com/watch?v=CuQWoDmg0Bo
youtube.com/watch?v=VPK8YpoGsf8
https://carolfranksrandall.com/just-for-kids/
As we await possible updates on school closure details, and as the days go on, I know that we are missing many PVES spring birthday announcements along with exciting school activities. Please reassure our young students that whenever we do get back to school, the missed birthday announcements will be made with excitement, and the birthday pencils will be distributed! (And that goes for staff birthday ribbons too!) The celebrations will continue!
And speaking of celebrations, I hope that you are all able to enjoy a pleasant family holiday weekend, although probably smaller and quieter this year. Enjoy the nice spring weather, lots of good books and board games, and maybe some gardening and artwork. Most importantly, stay healthy, and contact us if you need anything.
You are doing a great job!
Ms. Podesta