We made it!
We all made it to the finish line, completing Week #1 in an online learning format! And I truly believe that we are all better for it. It was not because it was perfect, nor was it because we had done this type of learning platform before. It was because we rallied as the CSA community and did what each of us needed to prepare for this event. And for that, I thank each and every one of you.
Parents: Thank you for attending the Online Parent Information meeting on March 21 to gain insight into what our first week entailed. Some of you were not able to attend and you reviewed the PowerPoint that was posted on the website. You also prepared your learners for what was to come, helping make their difficult transition a bit easier in the way that only a parent can. Thank you for all of your positive comments on Facebook! That means so much to all of us!
CSA Staff: Thank you for being active change agents. From your adaptability to your creation of meaningful lessons and connections with our learners, you made this all possible. My hat is off to all of you for all you did this week! You always do your best, no matter what the circumstances!
Learners: This was really different for each of you, and it brought out so many emotions, a sense of normalcy that you were back in school, joy, but then stress and frustration because it is all so different. We want you to be able to continue your learning and your exploration of new ideas and concepts. Each of you has embraced this first week with a wonderful, adventurous spirit! And it is so gratifying to see your faces! We have missed you, and it helps to see you on Zoom, even if it is just for a little while.
Know that we were very intentional in the plans we made for our online learning experience. We purposely created a schedule for our learners so they would not have to create a schedule themselves and, with so many parents also working from home, we knew this would support parents, too. We have also been intentional in holding staff debriefings every day, discussing what worked well and what needs to be adjusted. We have some adaptations that we will be sharing via email and on our website that will make the online learning process easier for everyone as we move into Week #2.
I am honored to be a part of the CSA community. I know that you chose to be a part of CSA, a School of Choice, and I am grateful for each of you. It is our community who supports and sustains us and with whom we weather the storms of life and emerge stronger and better, together, than we were before. We are doing great things and will continue to do them together. May you stay safe and healthy in the weeks to come.
Warm regards,
Suzanne Acheson
School Director