President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinson

Perspective President’s

Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal Bergman School District

The end of the 2019-2020 school year was unlike any experienced by administrators, teachers, parents, and students in history. b a c k b o n e t o e v e r y o n e ’s students so that maximum learning occurs for all students. This will require a m a j o r c h a n g e i n o u r

The mold to the typical educational program was Our state government will provide many guidelines altered. Discussions were held and decisions were that we must follow and each school may decide to made to implement a plan to serve our students. do even more so that teachers feel secure to perform Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) became the their tasks and students feel safe to learn. curriculum, while technology AAEA has continued to stay abreast of the needs escalated to provide the current issues during this pandemic. They c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n schools and families. Criteria was established related to graduation, promotion, and “Never doubt that a small g r o u p o f t h o u g h t f u l , c o m m i t t e d , have shared information with us as quickly as they have received it. If you have any suggestions or ideas that promote safety, learning, or better communication, please share with the representatives from your instruction. This had to be citizens can constituent group. addressed quickly in order to maintain focus on the needs a n d g o a l s o f s t u d e n t s . Traditions long held dear to the hearts of communities were put o n h o l d o r c a n c e l l e d c h a n g e t h e world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Arkansas education and educators have received deserved recognition for the success of our schools. Let’s continue to do what’s necessary to maintain and improve our performance. completely. - M a r g a r e t One thing we can be sure of for this coming So, what’s ahead for all of us? Mead school year is that the delivery method of First, we have to keep close instruction will look completely different. watch on COVID-19 and how it However, the safety of our students will be affects our state and our the constant that never changes. children. Safety for all is priority number one. Secondly, administrators must plan with their staff how to meet the educational needs of students at school or at home or possibly both. What worked and what didn’t must be evaluated to construct a program that allows teachers to connect with their As we proceed throughout the 2020-2021 school year, I implore you to do what is best for our students no matter the circumstances. Our delivery methods will look different, but love before learning will be as important as ever! educational system.