Staying connected with students: MPCSD teacher makes signs for students during school closures

MT. PLEASANT - Harlan Elementary School kindergartners in Karinda Wahls' class don't have to look very far to know their teacher loves and misses them.

Wahls recently printed out signs from Clearview Grafix for all 20 of her students, posting the boards in their front yards. When her students look out their windows, they can read 'My teacher misses me. Love, Mrs. Wahls.”

The kindergarten teacher said she wanted to find another way to maintain her connection and relationship with her students through the closures and distance learning.

'I was trying to find a creative way to let them know I'm still thinking of them. We've been writing letters and sending them in the mail, but I just wanted to do something a little different and for them to have that constant reminder every day,” she explained. Making sure students 'know they are loved and missed is a big priority,” Wahls added.

In addition to letters and her signs, Wahls has been holding Google Meetings with her class twice a week, for an hour each evening. During their time together, Wahls does literacy and math activities, as well as reads aloud to students.

'The kids are really good about it. The parents are the true heroes in all of this. Many parents, who are essential workers, are coming home from work and taking the time to put the kids online. They read the emails and always have the materials ready. I'm just a little piece of the puzzle, the one on the computer screen. My parents are unbelieve in giving their support to their children,” Wahls said.

For many of her students, who are just entering the school system as kindergartners, the disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic is making a big transition even tougher than it usually would be.

'Kindergarten is a big year - it's a hard transition to come to school all day, every day. Having this happen, it'll feel like they have to make that transition again next year,” the teacher added.

Students like Ty George were especially excited to see Wahls as she dropped off the signs. When she pulled into George's driveway, Wahls pointed to the message on the board and helped the five-year-old read each word.

'We usually draw. I liked drawing the cat. We also drew a bunny,” George said, naming some of his favorite distance-learning activities.

As for what he misses most about school, George said he misses 'seeing [his] friends.”