The Crusader - Summer 2020 - 14

A PARENT PERSPECTIVE ON ELEARNING
DEAR SISTER MARY SHEILA,

F

or many weeks now, I have been

understanding of the entire family. She

the cancellation of her lacrosse season,

wanting to write to you to express

kept up the academics which was no

her Irish dance classes, piano lessons, a

our immense gratitude to you, Mrs.

small feat, but also supported the children

trip with her grandparents to California,

Pietak, and the entire Aquinas community

emotionally, building their self-esteem and

swim season and First Communion being

for all you and the school have done for

rejoicing in their successes. She even

postponed, her disappointments never

the students all year, but especially since

shared her own vulnerabilities, admitting

lingered and her spirit always remained

moving to eLearning.

when she was having a sad or tough day,

buoyant. I know some of that is her

which we felt was so helpful in letting

personality, but I truly credit a great deal

the children know that it was ok to feel

of it to you, Mrs. Pietak, and the Aquinas

down. She made this strange, new world

community we are so blessed to be a part

of learning fun for the children with crazy

of now.

While school changed tremendously for
the students, I never felt like it was truly
"closed," which also became our hope and
goal for the schools we manage. Through
these many long days and the challenges
we faced supporting our families, I thought
about you (in your first year with us, no less)
probably having many of the same difficult
conversations and worries we experienced.
We were constantly inspired and
impressed by your positivity, consistency,
transparency, and creativity. From Crusader

hair days and daily jokes. She even sent
individual video messages to the children
and amid all of this often remembered to
send love to Maeve's younger siblings.
She was responsive, patient, and always
encouraging. We can't say enough
how much we have grown to love and
appreciate her.

Day to the continuity of the school Mass,

We also have to commend all of Maeve's

it was so clear that you and the other

specials teachers who provided thoughtful

members of the administration put in so

and engaging lessons, especially Mrs.

much thought and hard work to provide

Beda. In fact, Maeve's younger siblings also

routine and happiness to both the students

looked forward to "Aquinas library" each

and their families. While these days have

week and we often relied on her extension

been hard for all of us, you and your team

lessons to keep us busy.

certainly made them easier.

If your experience has been like ours,

Of course, the hero of Maeve's experience

I'm sure many of your conversations

through all of this has been Mrs. Pietak.

with parents have turned to tuition. We

From her first day in the classroom, Maeve

would like to tell you that while nothing

adored her. As the room parent, I had the

truly replaces the benefits of in-person,

opportunity to develop a relationship with

"normal" school, we have felt like every

her and see her in action in the classroom.

single dollar of Maeve's tuition was well

I could see that she had a deep love of

spent this year! Even as educators, it

children and a wonderful ability to see

would have been difficult for us to keep

each child where he or she was, meeting

Maeve on track amid all of our other

them just where they needed in addition

responsibilities, but most of all the sense of

to a beautiful faith in the Lord. Of course,

community Aquinas continued to provide

moving into eLearning no one knew what

could never be given a monetary value.

to expect. I sensed technology was not

From the other parents we've befriend who

Mrs. Pietak's favorite, so our expectations

became a "Corona Crew" and provided

were minimal, but she absolutely blew

daily support to each other, to the friends

us away! Not only did she continue to

Maeve regularly Zoomed and chatted with,

understand and sense what the children

to the many drive by birthdays, Aquinas

needed, but she was so supportive and

has kept us centered and happy. Despite

14	

THE CRUSADER | SUMMER 2020

We know next year is a big question mark
in so many ways, but you have our support
and our commitment to the school. If there
is any additional ways, our family can offer
support, please let us know. We are here
for you!
May God bless you and Aquinas!
In endless gratitude,
Maureen and Daniel Clifford

The parent letter from Mr. and Mrs.
Clifford was written to Sister Mary
Sheila at the conclusion of this
historic and unique school year.
The sentiment reflected in this letter
captures in a beautiful and heartfelt
manner much of what our parents had
to say either via individual emails to
Sister or a teacher or in the comment
section of the parent survey. Thank
you Mr. and Mrs. Clifford for allowing
us to share your letter.
The Crusader - Summer 2020

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