Faculty and Staff: Words of Gratitude

FACULTY & STAFF

A P P R E C I AT I O N WO R D S O F G R AT I T U D E FROM THE WINDWARD COMMUNITY

2020-21

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“Exceptionally kind, thoughtful, engaging, inspiring, and simply amazing.

That’s all.”

“I am amazed at how our faculty and staff

pivoted in the time of COVID-19 to create a

robust, learning experience for our students.

Everyone has stretched themselves and used all

their creativity and talents to make this crazy year as instructive and supportive as possible. I wish

that every student in America had access to the

amazing learning environment they have created and will be forever thankful.”

2

3

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“I am so grateful at

the dedication of my

children’s teachers.

Throughout this

difficult time, they have consistently

supported my

children’s learning,

but more importantly, their mental health.

I cannot thank the

teachers enough!”

“Thank you, thank

you, thank you for your resilience, your energy through a computer

screen, your willingness to put in the extra hours to

bring zoom school to life, your empathy for what the students are going

through, your dedication

to helping them thrive! It is all noticed and deeply

“Thank you for finding ways to keep the Seniors connected during their final year. From the retreat, to Senior surprises, to encouraging words through the college application process - it made a difference through the isolation.”

Thank you!

The Marrujos

appreciated!

4

5

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“During the best of times and the most challenging of times, please know that your hard work is meaningful, impactful, and appreciated.”

“Thank you for your dedication, passion, caring, and taking the time to get to know each child- even in the middle of a pandemic over zoom!”

“Thank you for caring for the students and

“We truly appreciate how they have pivoted during

in this unprecedented time. We are so grateful

taken to make sure that our child is learning and

helping to make life seem as normal as possible

this time and the extra time and work it has

that our daughter can continue receiving a top-

connecting. We know it can’t be easy to change the

must take to make that happen. We are eternally

are so impressed with the education that our son

are doing as well as can be in these trying times.”

Thank you so much for your time and support.”

notch education, and we recognize the work it

grateful and sincerely hope you and your families 6

“Thank you for putting our students first.”

way you have done things for many years, and we is still getting without being at school in person.

7

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“The Windward faculty and staff are very prepared, responsive, and positive. They are always ready for a challenge.”

“Thank you for making such unusual and

“Thank you for keeping our kids’ lives

and more familiar for

times. It’s amazing what you do!

have come up with

work, dedication, and commitment.”

frustrating times calmer

normal during these very abnormal

my kids. Many of you

We greatly appreciate your hard

amazing, imaginative ways to keep the kids

engaged and learning.

We wanted to send our appreciation and best

wishes for all the hard work you do.”

Happy Holidays from the Kent & Feldman Family

8

“Thank you for helping our children navigate a tough

situation. Your leadership and

guidance have helped them get

through this time. Thank you!”

Lori and Kirk Goldstein (parents of Aaron Goldstein ‘21) 9

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“M

y experience at Windward has been nothing short of amazing. When Leila was accepted to her only school of choice, I knew her intuition guided her there.

Almost a year later from when she submitted her application to her first couple of months as a first time student, I can genuinely and wholeheartedly say that this has been the best decision we have made for our daughter.

It is difficult enough to navigate a new school, but to do so under such challenging conditions of a pandemic, social unrest, and uncertainty about our nation’s future is a feat for any student or faculty to come out unscathed.

Yet, time and time again, your faculty and the entire community at Windward has showed up. Showed up for our children, their families, and the community as a whole.

One of the positive outcomes of this pandemic is being able to experience

10

what Leila is experiencing. Working from home has afforded me an opportunity to check in throughout the day, hearing pockets of the classroom curriculum and the dialogue as I walk by and listening to how each teacher greets this new normal with enthusiasm and substance. I have also observed how Leila is treated and spoken to as a student and human being. Every teacher does so in a way that makes her feel seen and heard.

She is so present in all of it.

It has only been a short while, but I felt it was important to share our first impressions of Windward. Leila is engaged, thriving, and so happy to be at a school that challenges her academically, but also supports her mental and emotional well being.

Thank you so much for making Leila’s transition a smooth one and for making our transition as new parents as seamless. Windward has been a source of positive light in our lives.”

“Thank you for your continued dedication and energy showing up for our Windward students and families every day!”

“As a new family to Windward (and not even stepping foot

on campus since our October 2019 interview), we are beyond

grateful to the entire team at Windward. To see the amount of detail, attention and planning that the faculty has done to transition our son into school has been nothing short of incredible. More so, it was clear to us on the parent teacher conferences that every single teacher had a true

understanding of who Sammy was as a person and student

when they have not been able to teach one lesson in person.

It’s a true testament to the value of outstanding educators and a school that is committed to teaching. Thank you for everything you have done and here’s to 2021–in person!”

Jenn & Todd Feldman 11

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“Thank you for all your time, love, determination and innovation in this crazy year!

Our children are blessed to have you all in their lives, and we are forever grateful!”

“I am very grateful for

“Thank you for doing the

dedication are seen

student individually where

spending the many, many

know that you have

emotionally to tailor the

in a totally different

for each individual.”

while juggling family

“In such a difficult year,

have given us the gift

do! Thank you so much

“ Your sacrifices and

the way you embrace each

and appreciated. We

they are intellectually and

had to learn to teach

best educational experience

way, from home,

responsibilities. You

of keeping our children engaged and their

minds active during

this time of isolation.

Thank you from the

bottom of our hearts!”

The Taub Family

12

I appreciate all that you

for showing up every day

hard work you do, and

hours you are spending, to ensure that our kids

are learning and staying engaged ... (all while

maintaining such a positive attitude...please teach us

parents your secret sauce!)

We are utterly grateful!”

with a positive attitude,

“The teachers and

our children, and continuing

gone beyond expectations

teaching and encouraging

to be wonderful role models.

I am grateful to be a part of such a supportive and wonderful community.”

administrative staff have during this time of remote learning. This year, our

tuition dollars are the best money we’ve ever spent.”

13

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“

A B OV E AND B E YO N D! A B S O LU T E H ERO ES!

Thank you to our family of Windward

”

teachers, faculty and staff for your excellence,

dedication, commitment, patience, compassion, kindness and personal leadership. You are

shining examples to our children every day.

14

“You are helping these kids every single day in ways you may not see-you make them laugh when they’re tired of being on Zoom, you make them feel connected when they feel like they’re going bonkers from not seeing their friends, you keep them intellectually engaged even through a video screen, you care about them when they need to know that most.

Those classes may go by quickly, but you stay with them well after class is over–and for that, as a parent, I could not be more grateful!”

“Thank you for your

incredible hard work,

and support. You are all so engaging each and every day as well as

always checking in on their social emotional

well-being during these difficult times. You are the true heroes”

“Your energy, kindness and support has been extraordinary. Giving of yourself when you are struggling, as we all are, is a true testament to your professionalism. Thank you for all that you do.”

15

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“It does not go unnoticed how much the faculty and staff of Windward

School gives of their time towards

educating and enriching the student

“Thank you for

being the heart and soul of our school!

body. Always striving to go above and

And thank you for

at hand, and for that we are grateful.

and dedication.”

beyond with our child’s best interest Thank you!”

all your hard work

The Downey Family

“We are so incredibly grateful for the hard work and efforts being put into online teaching.

You are doing a wonderful job during very difficult times.

We know it’s not easy keeping students engaged on zoom.

We look forward to being together in person again.”

“I thank the Windward faculty and staff for their commitment to the ongoing mission of educating (and engaging) our students and parents too. The creativity required to adapt and customize this experience during this time impresses me. Much thanks for our community.”

16

“Thank you for working so hard for us and making online school the absolute best it can be.”

17

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“We were instantly blown away by the energy, warmth and professionalism of the faculty at our first parent meeting. It was clear to us that our daughter’s teachers already have a strong sense of who she is and that they are

18

“Hats off. Truly. Can’t

imaging doing your job in

person, let alone on video!”

“Y

“Thank you for all your care,

kindness, and inspiration during these challenging times. Your

dedication to our children and their emotional and academic

our dedication and perseverance

well-being is truly appreciated.

in educating our kids is

Our daughter is striving under

noting that our son, when asked at

supportive, highly professional,

tremendously appreciated. It is worth the Thanksgiving table what he is

thankful for, stated his teachers. This is an unexpected response even in the

best of times, let along during distance

fully invested in her education.

learning. We know it is challenging to

What’s more is that my daughter

out. But it is making a difference and

also just really likes them and is

for which we are grateful. Thank you

truly inspired by them. Thank you

you, thank you. (And please try to hang

teachers, we are incredibly grateful!”

appreciate you!!!)”

be your best versions day in and day

your care. You have been

and extremely engaged in her

academic and emotional state of

mind. We truly could not ask for a better support system. Thank you for your tireless effort to uplift the current situation.

having a positive impact on students,

We are grateful, appreciative,

for your fidelity to our students. Thank

of this wonderful community.”

humbled, and proud to be part

in there even though its tough–we

19

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“Even as we enter another challenging phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic, you continue to find innovative and thoughtful ways to engage students AND parents! The resilience, creativity and compassion that you have demonstrated during these last nine months is nothing short of heroic.

And although school may look different right now, your unwavering support and dedication to the Windward community has remained a constant in our lives. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!”

20

“Thank you for your kindness and enthusiasm throughout this time. For going the extra mile and making online school as appealing as it can be.”

“My family and I are truly thankful for the incredible dedication and

commitment that Windward’s faculty and staff have demonstrated during

these especially challenging times.”

“Thank you for your passion and commitment

during these extraordinary times. Our children are exceptionally fortunate to be taught and supported by such an amazing community.”

“It just might be harder to teach via

Zoom than it is to learn. Thank you for

your resilience, flexibility and creativity to keep our kids growing and learning

each day. Because of you, we don’t have

to worry that our son is falling behind.”

21

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“I appreciate the time and effort the faculty expend to really understand our son. He is patient and does not need to be the center of attention. He is an astute, observant, and attentive student but at the same time, he is content to be in the background. Windward faculty take the time to get to know kids like our son and gently draw them out of their comfort zones while fostering their self-confidence and leadership skills. During our brief conferences we marvel at the way in which the female faculty, in particular, describe him in such a nuanced way. I exhale when I think of Chandler as a Windward Scholar Athlete.

I appreciate that Chandler will not be lost in the shadows because the faculty fundamentally value and understand who he is. The Windward graduates will make this world a better place–I know this.”

22

“We are so grateful to be a part of such a

dedicated and caring community. We thank

you for all your hard work and commitment to ensure our children are receiving the support they need during these trying times. Know

you are greatly appreciated and are making a difference every day. Thank You!”

“You are encouraging,

creative, approachable, understanding, and inspiring!”

23

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“We are blown away by how hard the teachers

and staff are working to make sure my son

has the same incredible

education, regardless of

circumstances. We also

love how connected he

feels to his teachers.”

“During difficult

moments that I am

experiencing this year

“D

ear Windward 7th grade

“Mom, I really love my teachers.” They want me

and engaging, while

extraordinary impact on so many children’s lives.

stay focused, structured

to succeed. Even virtually you are making such an

getting to know new

Thank you, THANK YOU! We are forever grateful

students on zoom, during

in good hands.”

24

for your dedication, concern, patience and wisdom.”

this challenging time has

blown us away. You all are

truly what makes teachers so special!”

“Through the most difficult of times, you have helped make things better for our kids. Because of you, they have continued to be engaged, educated and connected to their school community. We are

work you do, and I am

know that my boys are

that my 9th grade son repeats again and again:

teachers, Your ability to

I deeply appreciate the grateful for it because I

“There has been no greater gift than the words

“We don’t know what we’d do without you!”

forever grateful for your commitment to our children, especially during these challenging times. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do!!!”

25

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“Thank you for going above and beyond to reach our students and continue to engage and inspire them during remote learning.”

“Our family is especially

thankful for

“Thank you for all the thought, effort, care and consideration you bring to everything you do to make the lives of our children better during this incredibly challenging time. We feel so incredibly fortunate our

children have such amazing, hardworking people looking after them!!”

26

all Windward

teachers this

year!!! You

rock!!!!!”

“A

s Eddie has slowly started to develop

his middle school sea legs,

we are deeply grateful to the

wonderful teachers who have patiently stood beside him, caught his stumbles and

shown him a path forward.

He is so lucky to have you

and can’t wait to be in your (actual) classroom. Thank

you so much for everything

you do to lift our kids up and best wishes for a safe and restful holiday season.”

27

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“From the very deepest place in our hearts, we thank you for your commitment to keeping

the love of learning alive, and for helping our

“Happiness is the new

and emotionally healthy, resilient, and joyful!”

new success. Health is

daughter stay engaged, challenged, stimulated

rich. Inner peace is the the new wealth. Kindness

“As a new family, we are so grateful for the

faculty and staff at Windward, especially this year. We feel so welcomed and already part

of this wonderful village. Thanks so much!”

“We so appreciate the effort you have put

in to help both of our Windward kids over the years, but especially right now during virtual classes since we recognize that it isn’t easy for you either. Thank you!”

28

is the new cool. Grateful and Thankful for you all!”

Deb and Meir Levy

“Kudos for keeping our kids engaged and challenged through this crazy time.”

“Thank you so much for your dedication, patience, enthusiasm and positive spirit in teaching during these times. We’re so happy that our family is a part of Windward.

You’re making our lives easier each day. Thank you for everything you do!”

29

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“In these times, one of

the few things that we, as parents, are not worried

about, is our child’s education

at Windward. This is entirely due to the exceptional work

from our teachers and staff,

for whom we are so grateful!”

30

“Thank you for all of the extra work and true dedication you show for our kids. They are so lucky to have such outstanding teachers!”

“So appreciative of how hard you’re all

working to make the best out of such a hard time. Grateful to see the concern

for both my son’s education and mental

well-being. Hope you’re all taking care of yourselves as well.”

31

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“It is not unnoticed how the Windward

“Thank you for giving

your time, energy and love to our children. It

takes a village to raise a

child and we are lucky

to have the Windward

community and staff as part of our village.”

32

faculty and staff did not miss a beat when the country turned upside down. Thank

you for sound judgment and swift action.”

The Buck Family “Your dedication, creativity, and thoughtfulness have been greatly appreciated

during these difficult times.”

“Thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into

the Windward community.”

33

W O R D S O F G R A T I T U D E F R O M T H E W I N D WA R D C O M M U N I T Y

“To all the amazing Windward faculty and staff, we greatly

appreciate all of your hard work, sacrifices and dedication to

making sure the needs of the students are being met inside the virtual classroom and beyond! We understand this is a

challenging time for you as well and honor the commitment

and support you provide to the entire Windward community.

Make sure you take time for yourself too while taking care of

everyone else! Wishing you all continued peace, health and strength! You all remain in our daily thoughts and prayers!”

With heartfelt gratitude from the Morris Family

“In the chaos of the world right now, the

constant has been the love and support of

Windward’s faculty and staff. Thank you all for caring so much and for making a difference in

“W

indward Faculty and Staff, What words to use when there are no words that will do? The question doesn’t really have an answer but I will try anyway. As a family the most important thing to us over these last nine months has been the health and safety of our family and our community.

The second most important thing has been our kids’ education. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all

of the amazing work you have all done to continue to educate our kids during this difficult time. Although social connections and interactions have clearly suffered, at least as far as our family is concerned our kids have continued to learn and perform at the level we would have expected absent a pandemic. Your hard work and dedication is the only reason this has been possible. And for that, we will always be grateful.”

“Thank you all for your generosity of time, energy, and focus. It’s been great to see how everyone at

Windward has put so much thought into teaching in difficult times and it’s been a great comfort.”

The Yuspa/Blackmans (Zach grade 8).

our childrens’ lives. We are so indebted to you.”

34

35

“Words cannot describe our gratitude for all that you are doing to keep our children sane in these crazy times, for educating them not just in academics but about the world around us, about social justice. Thank you for your flexibility, for your patience, for your creativity and adaptability to meet our children’s needs.

Even in times of despair, because of all that you do to help our children grow into empathetic and questioning individuals, I have great hope for the future of our communities.�

36