En Español

May 4, 2020
Dear Community,

Today marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, and now more than ever do we appreciate what WCCUSD’s teachers and educators mean to students, families and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what we used to view as normal. For the past seven weeks, WCCUSD’s teachers and educators have gone above and beyond to create a new normal for students and families.

There are so many examples of teachers and educators doing whatever is necessary to fulfill a student’s need. Chavez Elementary School’s Ms. Bedwell spent a Friday in April delivering "Keep Learning, Thinking About You" bags that she put together filled with food and art and school supplies to her fourth grade students. Fairmount Elementary School’s Agnes Lazatin, Ally Crump, Saidah Said, Deborah Engel, and David Ko to name a few have done similar deliveries to their students. The District’s Library services team led by Allyson Bogie and Francie Kunaniec started the #ShelterinReading campaign on Twitter to encourage students and families to read during this pandemic.

These examples are just the ones we have heard about. There are countless more that deserve every bit of praise and recognition. Thank you to WCCUSD’s amazing team of teachers and educators for everything they have done to balance the shelter in place, their own home lives, educating or taking care of their own families all the while making sure their students' needs are also met.

Normally, teachers and educators doors would be decorated this week or have special parties planned, and cards made. Let’s try to do that virtually, especially on National Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 5 and on California Day of the Teacher on Wednesday, May 13. 

I know we cannot celebrate Teacher Appreciation the traditional way during the COVID-19 pandemic but let’s show our appreciation in whatever way we can. Post something on your teacher’s social media page, send them an email thanking them for what they do or sharing a special story about them, mail them a card, or show them some love on Google Classroom.

Families if you post something on social media be sure to tag the District (@wccusd Twitter and Instagram or @WestContraCostaSchools on Facebook) so we can see it and share the love. 

Teachers, educators thank you again for everything you do.

In community,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent