The relationships between Westside Jr./Sr. High Academy staff and students are stronger than distance. They’ve all been finding many ways, both large and small, to stay connected.
Like schools everywhere, Westside Academy and its teachers have been working to keep students involved and engaged with their school work. Staff is reaching out daily with email, phone, text, Schoology and Zoom conferences. Principal Martha Willis initially spent several days personally visiting and delivering laptops to students to help them get set up.
“With a school our size,” said counselor Kelly D’Angelo, “we are like a family and really care about each other. I have had many exchanges with students regarding activities that have helped to keep them centered and focused. One student has shared many drawings and paintings with me and has challenged me to take up this hobby, hoping to receive pictures of my progress. Another student has shared pictures of family pets and has also inquired about my pet. We’ve both enjoyed sharing pictures.”
Teacher Mark Donnelly gathered student pictures taken earlier in the year by PE teacher Aida Kuhlkin and created a video tribute for the students all the staff are missing. “We are far apart; under stress; filled with questions,” the video begins. “But we are hopeful, looking forward, confident and strong.”
Missing the students is even more difficult for secretary Gail Moore. “The teachers and social workers still all connect, but my work doesn't necessarily include that now,” she said. “I loved seeing the kids every day at school and I miss them. When I heard that one student was having a hard time, the thought came to me to send him a card of encouragement and tell him I miss him. Then I thought, why not do that for all the students! I have scrap booking supplies, so I wrote each student a little note and tried to make it as personal as possible. It was very therapeutic for me because, as I made each one, I thought about that student. I sent 36 cards.”
“Our students have expressed gratitude for the support they have received from Westside,” said D’Angelo. “But they have also provided a level of support to me and to the other staff that they are most likely unaware of. Each one of them is a silver lining in an otherwise uncertain time for us all.”