When we look back over a year, there is always the tendency to state how quickly the year has gone. I do not believe that will be the case for 2020.

I think everyone can remember a lot of the details and events from this year.  And I do not see this year fading from anyone’s memory like 2019’s surprise of 12 snow days.

While 2020 has been frustrating with so many spur-of-the moment changes to industry, restaurants and schools, there have been a lot of positives at Lone Tree. 

The teachers, support staff, and administration have been outstanding. Who would have thought that we would be teaching all online or hybrid at any time in our careers? The exhaustion that comes with teaching a full classroom is now replaced with relief of having everyone in the same room for the same lesson!

Teaching to all three educational models within the first semester is a major accomplishment for our staff. The extra time to get organized goes unseen by the public. All the work to ensure students are safe and their technology is working is another unseen aspect of being hybrid or online. 

Our teachers also continued to work during their professional development time on Wednesdays. Teachers did not wallow in their circumstances. They were still learning more techniques for reading, math and lesson design. Teachers were still sharing data with each other and analyzing test results. Teachers were still brainstorming ways to engage students whether they are in class or at home online.  

While many events were canceled, students still were able to participate in some activities. FFA, FCCLA, NHS, Student Council, fall sports, and now winter sports all were able to do something, but just in a modified way. These groups had modified ways to do projects and show them online and students were still able to work with the sponsor and present for these organizations at the state or local level.

This year has been the year of modifications. The NBA, MLB, the NFL and college football have all made modifications to have their seasons happen. Students at Lone Tree have had the same experience. Something modified to make sure the season does happen. Our teachers and support personnel have also taught like they never have taught before.  Kudos to the Lone Tree staff for making 2020 still bearable when things looked bleak back in March.  

I wish everyone an enjoyable holiday season and hope 2021 brings everyone safe travels and good health.