For the past ten weeks, I have been glued to the TV each Thursday evening to see the new Star Trek series “Picard” starring Patrick Stewart. In the series, we see the return of one of the series most beloved actors and starship captains after years of retirement. He struggles against an ongoing illness, the isolation of retirement, and of course an intergalactic threat. It’s a story of reconnecting with old friends and forging new friendships and realizing that the struggle and the fight are what keeps us alive and “young”. Throughout the series, when faced with staggering obstacles, Picard’s manta is “One impossible thing at a time“.
When I first heard those words two months ago, I thought it was a wise statement. When I heard those words again last week during the season finale, I thought, “This needs to be the mantra of educators during our current situation!“. Educators are literally doing one impossible thing at a time. When we found out we would not be able to be in the school for several weeks, teachers immediately went online and started sharing lessons via email and video. When teachers couldn’t collaborate in person, they learned how to use virtual settings and planned together remotely. When families reached out and said they needed assistance with technology and food (not necessarily in that order), we put together food distribution locations and arranged for families to receive devices for their home. When the governor made the necessary decision to close buildings for the remainder of the year, we came together to find new ways to make sure we are connecting and supporting ALL our students.
What new challenges will arise this year and how will we navigate these uncharted waters? I don’t know the specific answers to those questions, but I do know we will rise to the challenge by doing one impossible thing at a time!
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi
- Friday, April 3: Post Lessons online for the week of April 13
- Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10: Spring Break!
- Thursday, April 16: Virtual Staff Meeting on Google Meet 1:00 PM (optional)
- Friday, April 17: Post Lessons online for the week of April 20
As always, you will receive updates from the district and myself as new developments arise!
The Spark of Learning 