The Riebli Record
May 29, 2020
A message from Mrs. Todd
This is our last Riebli Record of the 2019-20 school year! Wow oh wow! I think we're all breathing a sigh of relief at what we've just overcome and also looking to the future to see what it holds for us. I want to remind everyone to "Be Present" with ourselves, our children and our families this summer.
Last night, Dave (my husband) was telling some friends of ours that each evening, once our son is tucked in bed, he has this overwhelming sense of defeat as he thinks of all the things he didn't get done...yet again. Not enough time to keep up on the mail, small house projects here and there, tons of emails to catch up on, bills to pay, boxes to go through in the garage...the list goes on. Taking my own advice as well, I told Dave, "You know what?! You're being present. You are present with your co-workers, you're a present dad to our kids, and you've been a present partner through all of this." He rolled his eyes and gave me a kiss on the forehead. We all need reminders.
I would WAY rather have a school full of kids who have present families and parents, than organized garages and empty of boxes. Your kids need you right now. They might not be telling you or showing you, but they absolutely need your presence. How will you spend your time this summer? You get to decide. There are thousands of articles we could read, posts we could scroll through, memes we could share, and by all means, there's a time and place for all those things. But as summer approaches, would you give your family the gift of taking a quiet moment to center yourself and decide what kind of summer you'll have? Will it be filled with breaking news, anxiety, fear, annoyance, short tempers, exasperated sighs, ultimatums and time outs, or will it be filled with deep breaths, new routines, simple pleasures, every day delights, picnics and sunshine, cuddles and books?
We all need a break. A little time to unwind. A zoom-free zone. Some device free days.
In the coming weeks, I will be learning a lot more about what our Riebli days will look like in the 2020-21 school year. I can assure you that I will be working closely with district administration to ensure your children get the best possible education in the safest environment possible. I will be relentless in my advocating for your child, our staff, and our community. I have a team of staff who are on the district committee with me and I believe that Mark West School District is taking wonderful care of all of us. We are in great hands. You will hear from me with updates when I have them. I won't forget about you!
And finally... your teachers are tired. You're tired. I'm tired. And we are adults with coping skills to help us process this pandemic and all its complexities. Imagine how our kids feel. They are tired too. Reward them with your time. Not for a day, not for a morning, but for a summer. Make it your mission to Be Present. Whether we start school learning online or in person, or both, we will get through this together with flexibility, grace, trust, and compassion. This too shall pass. During this time of uncertainty, there's no place I'd rather be than with this Riebli community.
Happy summer!
Mrs. Todd