https://padlet.com/klennon5/igvrdrfwzx44g2bq How did AmPark Neighborhood School inspire hope during the pandemic? en-us 2021-10-22 11:02:58 UTC 2021-10-27 00:33:09 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/klennon5/igvrdrfwzx44g2bq/wish/1846379001 It was stressful and challenging returning to the school building in September of 2020. We were all committed to the difficult work ahead, and happy to be present for our students. Our concerns were more about the unknowns.

One afternoon however, as I was working in the hallway on the 3rd floor just outside our classroom, I heard a vaguely familiar tune echoing throughout the school building. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be that unforgettable smash hit, “The Ice Cream Truck Song.” Good vibes and sweet memories of summers past flooded my consciousness, as Kelly, our school principal, skipped out of the elevator smiling, dancing and humming while pushing a rolling cart full of ice cream. A great moment, and a beautiful reminder of the simpler things. It was a moment full of hope and love.

]]> 2021-10-26 22:05:28 UTC https://padlet.com/klennon5/igvrdrfwzx44g2bq/wish/1846379001 https://padlet.com/klennon5/igvrdrfwzx44g2bq/wish/1846605765 Pandemic year was my family's first year at AmPark. Not only were we going through the challenges of the pandemic but my family was also going through the family court system and many obstacles. We were lacking peace, tranquility and quality of life. I came from another administration in which I was treated like garbage while going through these challenges as a family. Kelly and Bonnie were extremely warm, comforting, precise and informative. AmPark not only welcomed by children with open arms, they were genuinely supportive! Aside from the family support provided by Kelly and Bonnie, the teachers were absolutely amazing with my kids! I had something to compare it to, as my daughter had just come from another school not too far north from AmPark. The teachers were actually online with the kids during the pandemic! No bare minimum here! They were not only providing rigorous teaching, they were making it fun! The teachers were emotionally intelligent in how they handled the students and would check on the mood (feelings/emotional state) several times a day. The children were given music and art lessons frequently and fun activities for physical education. I often wondered how Kelly, Bonnie and the teachers all managed to maintain such a wholesome awareness and tact when dealing with families. I absolutely love my AmPark family! ]]> 2021-10-27 00:33:09 UTC https://padlet.com/klennon5/igvrdrfwzx44g2bq/wish/1846605765