A Message of Hope
In the midst of the pandemic, students, teachers and parents have done their best to cope and have positive experiences with their friends, family, coworkers, and students. Schools have been closed since mid-March, forcing teachers to physically change their teaching methods by recording videos, moderating online discussion groups, and hosting webcam calls with students to transition from a classroom environment. Meanwhile, students no longer able to share in classroom camaraderie take to internet platforms phone calls to communicate with one another. Teachers and students, who traditionally show their support for one another in the classroom, have gotten creative in showing each other they care. While most have taken to social media platforms and video calls, others have maintained their in-person relationships with students by social distancing parades. One thing that is evident from the various forms of communication, is that teachers and students value their face-to-face interaction for which there is no replacement. Being able to communicate positive messages through online or in-person formats is an essential part of the student-teacher and student-student relationship.
Video created by the teachers at Milwaukee School of Languages
Milwaukee French Immersion School teacher Nicole saying to stay home
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee history graduate students celebrating the end of the semester
St. John students thanking their teachers for the hard work during quarantine.
These images show just how students and teachers are showing support for one another in this time of social distancing and technologically able age. The Milwaukee School of Languages took to Facebook to provide their students with positive messages in various languages, encouraging students to stay safe. Often using the phrase, “we are all in this together,” teachers and students, like many other groups and organizations, have attempted to promote their solidarity as people struggle with financial, educational and isolation issues. During the Milwaukee French Immersion School spirit week, teacher Nicole A. shared her school pride by wearing school colors and posing for a picture with her dog. The board shows her concern for students, encouraging them to “Restev Chez Vois,” or “Stay Home.” On zoom, UW-Milwaukee Graduate Students Brennan, John, Mallory, Oscar, Cody, Bailey, and Frank get together virtually sharing food and drink at an end of the semester zoom party. Social distancing guidelines and Governor Evers “Safer at Home” order prevented this group from meeting in person, but the value of friendship and socializing with others during this time should not be overlooked. In Port Washington, WI, teachers at St. John XXIII Catholic School participated in a vehicle parade and visited their students. Sullivan, Stuart and Sienna Janeshek stand wave to their teachers with a homemade sign, thanking them and showing their support. Despite social distancing, teachers and students have found ways to continue to express their support, care and friendship with each other.