Date: 3/24/2021
I am the principal of Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow. We have offered a hybrid model of learning since January. On April 12th, we are inviting all students to return to school five days each week if they are comfortable doing so. We are incredibly excited to see more kids join us! While school has gone well so far, there is definitely some anxiety around health and safety for this return. But that is why I’m writing today!
The week of March 2nd, President Biden stated that he wanted all educators to have at least a first vaccination shot by the end of March. Our staff, like educators across the state, spent the next week waking up extremely early and jumping in the CVS virtual line with their fingers crossed. While some managed to secure appointments, many did not. Then, starting at 7:25 a.m., they could no longer try as they were responsible for teaching. On Tuesday, March 9th, the Birchland Park PTO reached out to our staff and offered to “adopt” anyone that was having trouble booking a vaccine appointment. They put individual parents in touch with staff members so they could work together to try all of the different ways to book appointments. While teachers were teaching, parents were working to get them appointments. In just over one week, every staff member that worked with PTO was able to find an appointment. Every single one!
What our PTO did goes beyond words. Both parents and educators have been through so much during the past 12 months. Knowing that the Birchland Park parents gave their time and energy to protect their educators goes to show what a unique and warm community this is. I am truly astounded and grateful for the selfless dedication of our Birchland Park PTO. We look forward to opening to all students on April 12th, and thanks to our PTO, our staff members feel so much safer as the day approaches.
Thank you PTO!
Timothy Allen
Principal
Birchland Park Middle School
