“It has been a picture-perfect day today!” commented Eric Snitil, Channel Eight’s Weatherman, and the same could be said for our Evening Zoom Meeting at Rotary tonight! We had one of the best attendances yet! Bruce held The Flag for us, as we were invited to join President Matt in reciting The Pledge, on this beautiful Spring evening. Susan’s lovely Blessing included a fervent prayer that said “Father, we come to you today. Please renew our bodies and minds to do what you would have us do.” This evening, we welcomed guests, Matt Green and Angela Lynk, who were tonight’s program presenters, along with Sharon, Theresa and Chris Dideon, Kathleen (Duserick), Shirley Riffle, and Graycen, Micah’s little boy. Jack and John tuned in from Reservoir Creek! Combined with the 28 Members online, it made for a grand group!
Liz had some announcements to share regarding Memorial Day. This Thursday, 5/27, those wishing to volunteer their time will meet at 6:00 to put Flags on the graves. The Scouts will be on hand to help as well. In preparation for the Memorial Day Parade, Liz and Clyde have generously offered their trailer to serve as a “Float” this year. Bo has offered to pull it with his truck. Liz hopes to borrow some flowering plants from Joseph’s to decorate the trailer. Plans are in the making for adding more decorations. If you are interested in being a part of the entourage, please contact Liz. She also would like help carrying the Rotary Banner. You can phone, text, or E-mail Liz. The Route will be from the Wilcox Area to the Town Hall. Those who are interested in participating should meet between 9-9:30. Phil Bariteau, NCS Band Director, will be setting up Spectator Sites also.
Tom talked about the Robert Allen Award. The Deadline for submitting votes is this Saturday, 5/29 at 5:00. Matt kiddingly added, “Vote early, vote often!”
Skip spoke about the Gavel Dinner which is coming up in June! The cost is $35 each, and checks can be mailed to Skip, or one can pay at the door. Checks should be made out to “Naples Rotary Club”. We are in for a treat this year for many reasons! First, it will be “in-person”! Second, it will be at Brew and Brats, and third, we will be enjoying the delicious fare created by Jane Russell! There is also supposed to be a “special guest” that night! 😊 P.S. Please RSVP to Skip by June 21st.
Tonight’s Program entitled “Teaching During a Pandemic” was brought to us by two beloved, seasoned NCS Educators, Angela Lynk and Matt Green. It seems that we would be 100 percent in agreement that one of our most precious resources is our children, and that we would do anything we could to help and care for them.
Teaching, helping, caring and nurturing, from the very youngest in UPK to the older students at the Secondary Level, - this is what Angie and Matt have been doing throughout their entire careers, but most especially this past year, which has been laden with challenges. Angie teaches UPK at the Elementary School, while Matt teaches Social Studies and Government at the Secondary Level. One might wonder what these two teachers could possibly have in common, but the answer is simple. They both care deeply about their students!
Angie noted that one of the biggest differences this year was that the Bus Garage became her classroom! Angie didn’t let a change in scenery stop her from being creative and positive, as she continued to give her four-year-olds all the love and attention they needed every day.
Matt noted that earlier in the year, a Hybrid Model was being followed at the High School. The kids were divided into two groups: the Green Team and the White Team, and they attended school on alternate days. Matt also had a few students who were fully remote. One of Matt’s major concerns was that he was hoping he would be able to reach all those kids at home.
Both teachers agreed that, though the Pandemic brought about many changes this year, the kids have been very cooperative! “The kids have done an amazing job!” exclaimed Angie. Matt and Angie have acclimated to their different schedules this year, and each of them has made some adaptations in his/her teaching routines.
Before the kids came back to full-time, Angie would have her Aide, Laurie, follow her with the laptop, and she would be sure to call on the kids at home, as well as those present in class. They continued with their “Morning Routine.” Angie added that it was important to “build that sense of community.” She also used a Platform known as “See-Saw” to keep the remote kids on board.
Matt used Google Classroom, and the Breakout Room Feature to keep the kids at home connected. He experienced a lot of learning on his own, and he would try something new each day. Matt admitted that, although it was a bit stressful at first, he learned to make things work by continuing to try, and in this way, things became easier each week!
Matt and Angie felt like this past year had been a successful one, and that they would try to continue to use some of their innovative approaches, and resources again next year. They agreed that it certainly has been a year to remember, and when asked by Pres. Matt what they might take away with them as an unexpected positive outcome, they said that they bonded with their kids and colleagues, and that they found that one can teach these kids anywhere! There were “moments of glory” throughout the year, also, such as with Sports.
Matthew and Angela are two examples of the stellar Teaching Staff that we have at NCS. This extraordinary crew is led by Superintendent, Matthew Frahm! We know from having Matt as our Rotary President this year, that he naturally exudes positivity unto others, and it is obvious that he has spread a boatload of this optimism and support to his Staff! As Tom said, “It’s leading by the heart!” Many thanks to Matt and Angie for sharing your experiences with us this evening!
Speaking of a “boatload,” such a “Haul of Happy Bills” we took in tonight! We all enjoyed Angela’s and Matthew’s Presentation this evening. They are to be commended for their extraordinary efforts this year in helping the kids to learn effectively amidst the changes brought about by the Pandemic. Other Happy Bills included John M. for the Flags at Fairview Cemetery. Blanche for the School and Library Budget(s). Nancy’s Granddaughter, Mary, became an RN! Jill and Marty for their daughter, who is a First Grade Teacher. Jill also has enjoyed helping at school! Bruce and Robin Paid Fines: Bruce for his Podcast, and Robin for being on vacation. (Welcome back, Robin!) Sherry said that John owes a Big Fine! (H-m-m? 😊)
Matt had asked Pat to give the Rotary Moment tonight, and to make it “school-related”. Patrice composed a little poem highlighting all the things Naples Rotary has done this past year to help our young people at school.
Next Monday is Memorial Day, so there will be no Meeting, but hopefully we’ll see many fellow Rotarians at the Parade! It sounds like the weather is going to be “perfect,” as Matt would say! Have a great week, everyone!
