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Weekly Happenings
Week of 09/18/2020
Dear Families,
Greetings MCS Families,
I am going to write this Weekly Happenings from my view of what the start of the school year has been as a parent, an instructional leader, and as the administrator of MCS. I have seen, heard, and know that there are so many different feelings in anticipation of the first week of school from our community.
As a parent:
One of my proudest moments was my son's first day of Kindergarten last year at MCS. Fast forward to this year, I would have never guessed that he would miss out on the funnest part of the year due to COVID. We powered through and made the best of what we could. We made many sacrifices over the summer so I could plan for the upcoming school year and finish our 'never-ending' construction projects. He spent most of the summer in child care instead of him spending time with me, like in the past. I knew the lost time would pay off when he was able to come back and see the changes of the campus and the excitement he would have meeting his new teacher and seeing friends he hasn’t seen since Spring Break (other than facetime playdates)
It was so great when he showed up last week for his cohort meeting. He bounced out of the car and hit the ground running towards the school. He was able to go into his new classroom and find his cubby. Ms. Hoffmeister had his assignments ready and gave guidance on how to do his classwork on his off days. He was ready, and we were ready, for him to be back in the environment he missed so much.
...And then as we moved into the weekend, the smoke settled in. I didn’t think too much of it until I woke up at 3 am Sunday morning and thought, "how are we going to do inside recess on the first day of school during a pandemic." I went into the school that morning to began planning and then I got the message we would not be able to start school on (what was supposed to be) the first day. Disappointment was an understatement and this decision was not an easy one to make. As the week continued with delays, all I could do is laugh in disbelief at what this year has brought us...but we will power through and have hope for next week.
As an instructional leader:
My staff; every single one of them...from aides, IT, office staff and our teachers...they have spent countless hours working to make this the best experience for our students. I see them here on weekends and working late nights while sacrificing their family time. Many continued their education over the summer by participating in professional development. This allowed them to work cohesively as a team to help gain knowledge on a new type of teaching one could never imagine having to do in their entire career.
On the first day staff came back, I was the most nervous I have ever been for a staff meeting in the 8 years I have been at MCS. I didn’t sleep the night before because I wasn’t sure how everyone would feel about being back on campus. Once we were all together, I teared up seeing everyone as a team. I haven't seen all of us together in person since we went online over Spring Break. The look in their eyes showed their positive attitudes and their determination to start.
I told them I would not have all of the answers to questions, but that I would do my best to answer them. I asked them to give me grace and in return I told them I would give them the same grace as they prepped for the year. I have never felt more supported than I have after that meeting and it gave me the confidence I needed to be ready for the year.
On Monday, when I had to let them know that we had to close until the smoke cleared, there was obvious disappointment. This didn't stop them though! They went into their classrooms and prepped by making instructional videos, informing parents, and were ready to provide for our kids. I couldn’t have been more proud.
As your school administrator:
Back in the day when I was a teacher, I always joked with my former administrator about calling snow days. I thought it would be so great to call days off for the students. After becoming an administrator, I found that calling 'days off' was not all that it was cracked up to be. COVID has taken this to a new level of unease. I see how it has affected our families and students. It was hard being in our brand new Middle School building and walking through the K-5 building, with its new additions, and no students on campus to enjoy either. It has been tough. Who could imagine that the air would cause us to cancel our first two days and then go completely online for the next three?!
I know this message has been a lot of “I” statements from me. I want you to know that Moscow Charter School is not about me, but 'WE'. 'WE' have gone through a lot this year (staff, families, most importantly our kids). What I will say is that WE, as our MCS family, will get through this together. WE will be stronger because of it..and one day, when our kids are older, it will definitely beat the story our grandparents told us about having to walk both ways up a hill in a snowstorm to get to school. Our kids will say WE lived through a time like no other …..but WE did it and are better because of it.
WE appreciate you entrusting your child's education with MCS. WE appreciate your understanding and giving grace in learning a new type of education. WE will get through this together.
I look forward to the much anticipated return to school next week (knocking on wood). Have a great weekend and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Tony Bonuccelli
Administrator, Moscow Charter School
School Picture Day!
There are printed order forms at the school office, or you can order online at www.leosphotography.com using the online order code: FAL191863.
If your student is unable to attend in person on Wednesday, we will have a retake day within the next couple of months.
I will be sending out more detailed information about picture day on Tuesday, the 22nd. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Thanks!
Caitlin Houser
Office Manager
208-883-3195
Free Fabric + Mask Kits
Moscow Charter School
Email: office@moscowcharterschool.org
Website: moscowcharterschool.org
Location: 1723 East F Street, Moscow, ID, USA
Phone: 208-883-3195
Facebook: facebook.com/moscowcharterschool