This week, our social media timelines have been flooded with appreciation for teachers. And rightly so. Like so many other frontline professions, the work of teachers has not stopped since COVID-19. In fact, the day-to-day life of a teacher in today’s new reality has gotten exponentially busier. And if we’re being fully transparent, at times, tougher.
I want to take this moment to acknowledge that there are times when being the best is really hard work.
And Friendship teachers – You are truly exceptional. The best of the best.
I see you… mastering new digital platforms.
Creating and leading virtual lessons that transform living rooms, porches, backyards and kitchens into science labs, libraries and lecture halls.
Tutoring before and after the virtual school day.
Leveraging social media such as Instagram and Facebook Live or Tik Tok in ingenious ways that connect with scholars and families.
All while homeschooling your own children.
Preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner as you collaborate with colleagues on what sometimes feels like endless Zoom meetings.
Conferencing with parents in between homework and checking in on extended family.
And yes, finding creative ways to celebrate the graduating senior in your family while also celebrating Friendship’s graduates.
None of this is easy, but we do it because we love our Friendship scholars – or as you so often say, “our Friendship babies.”
We promised a world-class education, and we won’t let the coronavirus or anything else get in the way of that promise.
And if you don’t already know it, let me tell you, our students and families see your sacrifice. They feel your love!
They recognize the grit it takes to keep us all connected and learning even as we shelter at home.
We’re so grateful.
As your CEO, I’m right there alongside you. Making sure our organization stays strong and that you, our students and families have the resources necessary to continue growing and learning – even now.
I don’t know when this crisis will end. And even as we prepare for our summer academy and the start of the new 2020-21 school year, things will be different.
We are now in a new normal.
At this very moment, your Community Office team is exploring both on-campus and online options for next school year at the request of our families.
But here’s what I know for sure.
Our Friendship family is united.
We have some of the most amazing, talented and innovative teachers in the
nation.
And our work serves as a model for friends and peers. Because of you, Friendship was D.C.’s first public charter school to host a virtual tour of its online elementary, middle and high school classrooms for philanthropists, media and other public charter schools.
Our scholars are growing, our schools are closing the achievement gap and our graduates are solidly on the path toward college and career success. Just this past Friday, we reached nearly 10,000 people with our virtual College Signing Day celebrations for the Class of 2020.
Yale. Howard. UCONN. Maryland. Spelman. Morehouse. Morgan.
Posse Scholars.
A Gates Scholar.
These are just a few of the places and prestigious academic awards our graduates earned as a result of their hard work and the love invested by their families and you.
We can’t say thank you enough. But we sure will try.
Thank you for your passion and your talent.
Thank you for your commitment.
Thank you for your love.
There is no Friendship without you.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Brantley
CEO
Friendship Public Charter School
