BETTENDORF, IOWA (April 24, 2020) — During these challenging times, we wanted to share this inspiring letter from our Preschool teacher to the Rivermont community.
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Our classrooms may be dark, but teaching and learning continue.
Only a few weeks ago, our classes were readying for a much-needed spring break. We celebrated schoolwide achievements and reveled in our joys of being together. As we said, "We will see you in two weeks," we truly believed that the halls would be buzzing in tales and stories of adventures of Spring break. Then the news began to increase the stories of COVID-19 in the United States and our state of Iowa. The school made a hard decision. The safety of our families was paramount.
Without warning, our educational dynamic changed. Rivermont Collegiate rallied at the first mention of school closures. As an independent school, we are community-centered. Our relationships and collaboration separate us from other academic institutions. Learning has always been beyond a classroom and a textbook at Rivermont. Our educators collaborate and create experiences that our students carry with them beyond school. We see the world and its challenges to adapt and be innovative at a global level. Confronted with a worldwide pandemic, our administration team collaborated with our teachers to find new and innovative ways to keep our connections with Rivermont families. Learning has changed, but Riverermont's traditions and support continue to surpass expectations.
Education is more than a transference of knowledge. We, as an independent school-community, rely on a collaborative dynamic to source out the very best for your family. Nothing will replace the hugs, the high-fives, and those a-ha moments in the classroom, but we have found innovative ways to grow with our students and be challenged with them. Learning the Rivermont way hasn't stopped. It has transformed. Our students have quickly adapted to learning from different venues. They are globally savvy and receptive to an abundance of resources during this time. We find ourselves as explorers of education and responsive to all learning opportunities. We have risen to our new challenges, discovering "a-ha" moments within group chats as we celebrate together.
During these challenging times, one of my favorite quotes from Mr Rogers keeps coming to mind: "When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Change is scary. But as a parent and an educator, I am beyond grateful to have my Rivermont family with me as we all come together as helpers.
Always in kindness,
Cassaundra Dunbridge
Preschool Teacher
Rivermont Collegiate
Bettendorf, Iowa
