Dear Kelly,
As we close the books on a year filled with challenges and triumphs, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on how far we have come since the first day of school. We started the year with so much uncertainty and let’s face it, fear. No one really knew what to expect. We had spent the summer preparing as best we could for physical distance in classrooms, ever changing protocols and mandates, learning more than we ever cared to know about HVAC systems, and becoming de facto experts on Covid-like symptoms. The first days were difficult. Hybrid learning/teaching was rough. There really was no handbook for how to do it. All we knew is that we wanted our students to learn and we wanted to offer the option to be on campus as much as possible. New issues arose constantly that we could not foresee and we pivoted and adjusted as a community. I do not think I have pivoted this much since I played sports in high school!
Slowly, we found our rhythm and more students came back to campus. We made our way to the milestone of winter break and flu season and, to me, a miracle happened. We kept going! Our protocols held, a vaccine arrived, our teachers continued to teach and our students continued to learn. The Parent Council really stepped up and supported the community and teachers with appreciation efforts and fundraisers. We missed our fall celebrations but we were able to have our Chinese New Year and Black History Month celebrations virtually. We were somehow managing to have fun. By spring break, nearly all of our students were back on campus full time. The shouts and screams of laughter from children that I could hear in my office grew louder. We rolled the spring celebrations into one big celebration in the form of field days and picnics. The quintessential hallmark of the end of the school year. The togetherness that we had been craving and missing. Finally! Then, the Parent Council sponsored a virtual community celebration with 123 Andrés. We enjoyed dancing, jumping, and singing together.
Yesterday, we held our third eighth grade graduation and fifth grade moving up ceremony. We were so delighted that we were able to have it on campus and to share the experience with our students, families, and friends virtually. It was a touching celebration to honor not only our graduates and fifth grade students but also the spirit of TNCS that carried us to the finish line.
As we say farewell to our graduates, we will also bid farewell to a few staff members. Mrs. Waldron, who has been a lead Primary Montessori teacher, will become the head of school at a growing Montessori school in Elkridge, MD. Mrs. Reynolds, who has been a lead Primary Montessori teacher, will teach at a new school in the fall. Mrs. Lee has decided to retire from the classroom; however, she will still be working with children as an educational tutor and test prep teacher. Ms. Joseph will be relocating to Washington, DC to work full time with the summer camp organization that she has directed. Ms. Lynn is leaving to pursue her next opportunity. Over the summer, you will be introduced to our new staff members. For now, please join us in wishing Mrs. Waldron, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Lee, Ms. Joseph, and Ms. Lynn all the best for this next chapter in their lives they will be missed!
Finally, I was beyond touched by the tribute video at graduation yesterday, the chalk messages during the year, and the emails, notes, letters, and kind words that have been shared over the last few months since my departure was announced. It has truly been humbling. Thank you for all of the heartfelt messages but thank you also for your support, partnership, and keeping me sharp! I appreciated the open dialogue and the willingness to talk through concerns. TNCS has been my family and I will miss being here every day. As I wrote to the staff in this morning’s message, I will still be in Baltimore, at least for the next little while, then we will see where the winds take José, Sr. Duncan, and me. With our youngest now a recent college graduate, the world is waiting! I wish each of you an abundance of joy and peace and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for TNCS!
Be well. Abrazos fuertes.
Sra. Duncan
Head of School