Dear Fernbank,
Holy cow!
Today is Day 50!
Happy Cinco de Mayo, too!
50 days is really quite an accomplishment.
And only 8 more school days before summer begins—WOW!
I don’t know about you, but this virtual learning time has both flown by and crawled at the same time. We have had such full days and our learning curve has been so steep that the individual days have gone on forever, but the weeks have literally flown.
In all this rush to the finish line, I am wondering what will come next.
I must admit that I have found it challenging to have faith in where we are going and how we are getting there, but there are a few groups in which I have total and complete faith:
Teachers
Our teachers have been totally faithful in their commitment to their students. They are so dedicated and connected to them that my heart just swells with pride. I am grateful to you all for celebrating and appreciating them so generously and kindly this week! They have earned it-every bit
Administrators
I have total faith in my team of administrators—
I know that we have the best group of women at the helm steering this ship of ferns to true success. I feel such support and camaraderie from them that I know we will never falter, but rather always rise to the occasion—whatever it maybe. Additionally, our fearless superintendent, Ms. Tyson, and her team are making smart and careful decisions about our futures for which I am grateful.
Students
I also have a deep and abiding faith in our students.
They are critical and empathetic thinkers who love learning, problem-solving, and working together. They are inspiring and life-giving and they make all of our work so very worthwhile. They redefine resilience and inspire me to be my best self. They see the world and their place in it in ways that we forget as we get older, but we need to remember what the world looks like through the eyes of a child when we work with them—we have much to learn from our children.
Parents & Care Givers
And finally, all of you parents and care-givers in the Fernbank community—you have been so dedicated and you have risen to the challenge of teaching your children at home in the midst of a massive crisis while trying to work yourselves. I have been so deeply moved by your support of the school, our teachers, and our students. Your confidence and trust in us are gifts to be greatly appreciated and valued—and I am so very appreciative and grateful to you all.
We are all making progress toward establishing what our forever new normal will be and, with all the unknowns and unanswered questions swirling around us, it is incredibly reassuring to know that you believe in us and support us in supporting your children.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support and love are sustaining for not just me, but for the entire Fernbank family.
Thank you for being the Fernbank Nation.
Take care & be well,
~Ms. Ray
joan_ray@dekalbschoolsga.org
Virtual Book Float Parade Photos
Fernbank STUDENTS, Teachers,and Staff:
Show us your Book-love!
Please EMAIL Ms Jacobs ONE Horizontal PHOTO of yourself and your favorite book or dressed up as your favorite character for the virtual book float parade
Deadline May 10!
5th grade parents Alyse and Kate made and placed these signs (with the help of Ms Ray, Ms Hodge and Ms Willingham) for our fifth graders!
See more yard signs on our website
The Fernbank Blog 