Week of March 15, 2021

It's hard to believe that Saturday marked one year since our world in Nashua went all topsy-turvy. I recall the build up to March 13th as rather humorous. It was time to change the clocks, it was Friday the 13th, and I believe a full moon. It was a trifecta of sorts. Then the 13th hit and it was all done hill from there. Our school board closed school starting on March 16th, initially for a week only to be null and void by the Governor's order on Sunday, March 15th closing schools indefinitely. We all know the rest of that story...we did not return to in-person learning for the rest of that school year, and the discussion shifted to what this school year would look like for our students and staff.

You may not agree with the way things have worked out this school year, and that's perfectly ok. I haven't agreed with everything personally either. But is there anything that we all agree on 100% of the time? Not really.

I wanted to take a minute to reflect on what has happened over the last year. It has been challenging and difficult for many, if not all of you, in one way or another. The phrase "I don't know" became my go to phrase, which I honestly hated and still hate to this day. There were so many questions, and little to no answers. While this has changed, there are still questions without answers.

I fully admit that I am biased towards all of you. As a fellow educator, I know what the workload looks like in "normal" times, and have watched the heroic efforts you have all made during this pandemic time. While some of the loudest are often the only ones heard, and usually with negative things to say, I honestly don't think it's the majority. You have worked extremely hard do meets the needs of your students whether it be in hybrid learning, remote learning, or some combination. You have done extraordinary during a time of uncertainty, and you continue to be extraordinary.

There seems like a light at the end of tunnel is coming towards us. There are plans in the works to get staff vaccinated this month, and numbers continue to trend in the right direction. However, we need to remain vigilant and push through to really squash this pandemic. My hope is that a year from now, March of 2022, I'm writing something ridiculous about an incident with my beard trimmer or counting down until I can be at my happy place. Until then, I wish you good health and thank each and everyone of you for what you do for our students, not just during a pandemic, but every day.