Eagle Newsletter: Week of March 30

Let me begin by taking a moment to recognize what a great job EVERYONE in our school family has done in their various roles throughout the sudden pivot we’ve all experienced in the past two weeks.

TCA Teachers , as a parent and administrator, I’ve been inspired by your willingness to learn (without a single complaint) entirely new methods of delivery, assessment, communications, etc. Facilities staff , you have cleaned like never before, and office/admin , you’ve been rock stars, scrambling to do the ordinary (report cards, etc.) that isn’t so simple any more while simultaneously figuring out brand new tasks (like remote admission processes!). Thank you all!

Parents , your consistent messages of grace and patience mean more than you’ll ever know. It has been wonderful to see the Lord use your emails, posts, and text messages to encourage our staff; it’s amazing how the right word has come at just the right time again and again. Seeing and hearing those messages also helps your kids know that they’re in good hands and they’ll be okay.

Students , I am grateful for you too! Many of us have received messages from you, expressing love and support while thanking us for the work we’re doing. While some seniors might mope about what they could “lose” in these special weeks to come, ours are sending emails to administrators letting us know they’re praying for us and offering to help teachers set up online learning structures. You’re amazing, and I miss you all.

The learning curve for us all will continue to be steep, and while none of us will be perfect, we will make it. When a concern arises, we will assume the best of one another and lead with gentle questions

reflecting that assumption. We will be kind and we will season our speech with grace.

We recognize that this new model of teacher-directed online learning is not just new for our teachers. It is new for our parents and students as well, and is just one of many difficulties our families will face in the weeks to come. Understanding this, we want to do our best to not add to your stress. Here are a few quick ideas for parents I’ve come across that hopefully will help and put your minds at ease:

Create an area at home to do school and work out a schedule in the ebb and flow of your world that works for you.
There will be times to “go live” and connect virtually at once, but most instruction will be asynchronous (not live). This is being done purposefully to allow families some flexibility as to when doing school works best for them. Most “live” times are for relationship continuity. If you miss them, it’s ok.
For the performance-oriented and task-driven among us, remember that it’s okay if everything doesn’t get done every day. Breathe. It’s not a race.
Enjoy your children and let them enjoy you. Read, laugh, and pray together. And don’t forget to play! School needs to be fun! Take a walk, play games, or maybe have a raging pillow fight (or a snowball fight with rolled up socks--a favorite in my home).

Again, we don’t want at-home learning to be one more stressor for you. Do the best you can and let that be enough. School matters, but what children need right now is to feel comforted and loved, and to know they’re going to be okay. In fact, just spending this time with you will benefit them. When we return, rest assured that we will meet them where they are academically and move forward in their learning.

Principals and teachers can be reached by email with questions if you need help. If needed, we can connect you with counselors, social workers, and other types of support for your family.

Thank you again friends,

Mike