We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Even future Harlem students were on hand to watch the parade.
This group of grateful Harlem students wave and cheer on their teachers during the bus parade.
Although the weather didn't quite cooperate, many families bundled up to thankfully acknowledged their teachers.
With a little protection from the elements, Dixie and grandkids celebrate the last day of school with the Harlem teachers and staff.
The rain didn't stop Ivy from displaying her signs of gratitude to all Harlem staff members.
As the 2019-2020 school year came to an end, nothing seemed the same. The halls had been empty and silent for what seemed like an eternity – no students bustling from class to class, no cafeteria full of hungry, chatty kids, no rambunctious play at recesses, no infectious laughter coming from the halls. Yes, it seemed the Covid19 pandemic wreaked havoc on everyone and everything. Yet, in the midst of this unusual and trying time, the students, families, and staff of Harlem Schools somehow made it work. Teachers kept in touch with their students and families, distance learning came into fruition, homework packets and meals were delivered by bus – everyone did their part to make a bad situation turn into a source of pride. Social distancing, masks, gloves, and disinfecting, disinfecting, disinfecting... was the new norm. It was an exhausting learning experience for all involved, but then again, this community is known for its perseverance and alternative thinking, especially through trying times. Even though the many traditions of our end of school activities were not to be, together we worked around the obstacles, and made the best of this unusual situation. While many awards, certificates, and merits, were delivered to homes and celebrated with families only instead of at school-wide assemblies, some traditions just couldn't be duplicated. However, Harlem Schools were not about to give up that last day bittersweet send-off when the kids frantically wave goodbye from the buses to their teachers as staff members bravely hold back tears as they send their cherished students off for summer vacation. If the kids couldn't ride the buses and say their goodbyes, then the staff would just have to ride the buses and wave goodbye to them! As the last day arrived, the buses lined up and filled with administrators, teachers, paras, cooks, secretaries, custodians, and of course, bus drivers, who made the parade possible in the first place. As the 'Last Day of School Parade' slowly made its way through the main street of Harlem and the communities of Fort Belknap, a sense of celebration followed the route. The turnout of students and families with energetic waves, genuine smiles, and their signs of gratitude lined the parade route. It was a perfect way to say goodbye and stay safe, plus it made an incredible ending to an already extraordinary school year - truly one that will never be forgotten.
