Teachers and staff at several elementary school sites in Manteca Unified took part in neighborhood parades just for their students on Thursday.
“We miss them terribly,” said Shasta Elementary School Principal Audrey Greene Parker, who dressed as the school mascot Hornet while wearing a protective facemask amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ken Johnson, who is president of the Manteca Educators Association, joined the Shasta group through the parade route – as far north to East Louise Avenue and around the Shasta Park neighborhoods, to East North Street and the many surrounding streets – being greeted with students and family holding up the “we miss you” signs.
From there, he was scheduled to join the McParland Elementary School Neighborhood Parade. Johnson added that other MUSD sites such as Neil Hafley School also had similar-type parade planned on this day.
Superintendent Clark Burke, meanwhile, showed his support.
“We are in awe of our dedicated and selfless staff, who are meeting the essential emotional needs of students while caring for them emotionally,” he said.
At Shasta, the procession of vehicles included Manteca Fire Department Engine 243 with a message to remind all of the coronavirus: “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Stay Together (Just six feet apart).”
Teachers have been in touch with their students via Microsoft Teams – this cloud-based software program allows those to work remotely without feeling remote.
“The kids have been great,” said Shasta teacher Donna Morais on meeting with her fifth-grade students via online.
The tough part for her on the distance learning is that her fifth graders will miss out this year on the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Outdoor Education Program. Morais is hoping those same students will have an opportunity to attend science camp as sixth graders come next year.
Jennifer Moore, who is a kindergarten teacher at Shasta, has also seen her students online. She was excited about the neighborhood parade while decorating her vehicle in the Carl Jr. restaurant parking lot along with her fellow teachers and staff.
“I can’t wait to see them,” Moore said of the youngsters in her class. “I’m looking forward to seeing their smiling faces.”
