More is the same than different

Monday morning, my signal of the normal pattern of our work that gave me solace that many more things are the same than different was my visit to Hollymead Elementary School. Temperature checks, mask, and Zoom—not normal—artefacts of a pandemic.

The joy and energy of elementary school students and their teachers and support staff working and caring for them in person and through virtual instruction—normal—absolutes of high-quality teaching and learning and nurturing of students' social and emotional needs. Everything from Dr. Dommer sharing about his staff’s acquisition of insulated bags for classroom lunch delivery to a new student from West Virginia receiving warm greetings to excited voices of youngsters trying to contain their energy as they worked on fractions to students releasing their energy with screams out on the playground. Driving away, I felt gratitude for all of you and for all you are making go right in a challenging time. Thank you!