Talawanda Writing Buddies Talk About Quarantine
Talawanda Writing Buddies Talk About Quarantine
By Susan Slattery’s Stars & Amanda Weatherwax’s Word Wizards
Cover art drawn and photographed by Ella Prytherch, THS Class of 2020
In the 2019-20 school year students in Mrs. Slattery’s fifth grade class at Marshall Elementary and students in Ms. Weatherwax’s ninth grade ELA class at THS were writing partners. They wrote letters to one another and read and responded to one another’s essays and poetry. This spring the students were supposed to meet in person, but they were unable to meet due to the coronavirus pandemic. The teachers thought that it was important to document their final letters to one another in The Talawanda Tribune because they show what our students have been experiencing in these unprecedented times and how they feel about remote learning. We also know that Talawanda’s fifth graders have missed out on their last months of elementary school, and we are so sorry about that. Congratulations to all fifth graders in the Talawanda district. We are so proud of you, and in the words of one of the ninth graders: “You are going to crush it in middle school.”
Unfortunately due to the nature of remote learning, some students did not log on to respond to their writing partner. That is why there are some letters with no responses. The first letter was written to all of Ms. Slattery’s students because the ninth grader’s writing partner moved away.
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Dear Fifth Graders:
It has been a pleasure to talk to you, and to see all of the work that you have done in class. I’ve loved reading your essays and viewing your wonderful haikus. It truly is a shame that we have had to abruptly end the school year in this way, and can’t do any more projects together, but at least there are some good things to come out of it!
One of these things is that there is much more time to do the activities that interest you. I, for example, am cooking far more than I used to cook before this situation involving Covid-19 occurred. Hopefully all of you have found something that you enjoy doing as well.
It’s very sad that everybody has to miss the end of school, especially all of you as you are making a very important leap by graduating elementary school. Despite missing the field trips, field day, and other events, it is still an important time as you are finding yourselves entering middle school.
I am sure that all of you will love middle school and do great there.
Regards,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Hey Ninth Grader, how is your online learning going? I hope yours is going great! Mine is going well. I’m still feeling sad that we will not go back this year, especially that I’m going into middle school next year.
I’m missing out on field day. My last Mayfest, 5th grade graduation, my school birthday and Science Day and a lot more. What things are you missing out on? Also field trips.
What have you been doing at home? I have been reading some and doing work and hanging out with my family more often and playing outside and doing art and school work.
THANK YOU FOR BEING MY WRITING BUDDY THIS YEAR! Thank you so much for everything! You helped me a lot and I don’t know how to thank you.
Hope you are staying safe and staying healthy we are going to get through this and when we do I’m gonna scream. Thank you again. You’re the best! Stay healthy and wash hands.
Sincerely,
Your Writing Buddy
Dear Writing Buddy,
I’m sorry to hear you are missing out on all those fun things, especially 5th grade graduation. 🙁 This stay-at-home order has had a life changing effect on all of us. Keep your head up because even though you are missing a bit of 5th grade you will have plenty of new experiences too! But congrats, you’ve graduated 5th grade, maybe not exactly how you wanted, but there are so many more doors open for you now! They’ll keep on opening too! It can be kind of a bummer to not be in school either, but at least during this time we get to focus on ourselves, and a little bit of extra sleep! I know I have been spending a lot of time outdoors. Thankful for the sun and good weather we have been having. Soaking up a lot of sun! I know as soon as this is all over, I’m going camping! I’m glad you enjoyed being my partner! Because I know I enjoyed being yours! Thank you for this experience. I’ve really enjoyed being your partner.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
I hope you are doing well! Things I like about online learning are that I can still see my friends on videos and that I am home with my family. I don’t like that I can’t actually do anything with my friends or not much at all. It gets pretty boring. I miss school a lot!
I’ve been missing my friends from school a lot. I have also missed all the fun activities we did. I also miss the teachers. It’s hard to not have them to teach me.
At home I have been playing with my toys in my room a lot! I have also gone on hikes and played on my trampoline. I have been video chatting with my friends. We sat outside a good distance away from my grandma so we could see her.
Thank you for helping me with my writing! You have improved my writing a lot! I have learned so much from you! I am very glad I got you as my buddy! Without you I wouldn’t have realized some of the mistakes in my writing! Thank you!
I hope you have been healthy and safe. I am sorry that your school year got cut short but I am sure you are getting through it great!
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
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Dear Fifth Grader:
I am actually doing very well as well! I hope you are as well! Online learning is pretty fun actually but very different then regular school lol. I’m glad to hear online learning is going good for you as well! I do miss school a whole bunch, I miss my teachers a whole lot. It has definitely been a very hard change but if you ever need anything you can email me or contact me in some way!
I still get to facetime my friends and go on Zoom meetings so that keeps me pretty entertained. Mostly during this quarantine I’ve been watching a lot of movies, Netflix, and hanging with my siblings as well! I did get to see my grandparents once just to catch up but we stayed far apart in my yard.
Thank you for allowing me to help you! It’s been a very fun experience and you’ve taught me a lot of stuff as well! I couldn’t have asked for a better writing partner so thank you!
I just wanted to say congratulations on graduating elementary school! That is a HUGE accomplishment and I am very excited for you and the rest of your classmates! I know it’s probably been hard having your last year at Marshall cut short but you have lots to look forward to in the Middle School and beyond! Beginning Middle School might be a little intimidating and scary at first but trust me all the teachers, staff and students are so friendly, you will fit right in and have an amazing time! I hope you have a good rest of quarantine and a good summer as well! Again if you EVER need anything, questions about middle school, advice or help with anything you can come to me! I hope you stay safe and healthy!
Stay Safe,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Writing Buddy,
So far learning online is going ok. I really like the amount of work we get each day. I also like that I can be with my family for help if I need it and that my dogs don’t have to be in their kennels for seven hours every day. Finally, I like that my teacher still sets up daily check-ins on flipgrid every morning so I can see my classmates and see how they are doing.
There are a couple things I miss about school like my friends, teachers, math, and the quiet reading times after recess when we get to sit with a pillow on the floor or on a chair around the room. I also miss all of the funny things that would happen in class. There was always something that the whole class would have fun with and laugh about while we are still getting our work done.
When I do get my work done I do my chores which include walk dogs, feed dogs, practice dances, workout, and clean room. Also if I finish these things I get to watch tv or play with my toys. Finally I also like to read and practice my ukulele when I have time to.
Thank you for all of your help teaching me how to be the best writer I can be by teaching me correct grammar, and you taught me some new facts as well.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
I’m really glad online learning is going well for you. I also like the amount of work I am getting and I’m enjoying having a little more time in my day to work with my horses. I definitely miss seeing my friends every day. I had a few classes that were really fun that I’m definitely going to miss next year. There were a few moments that we got distracted by something funny for sure.
I have definitely spent some time doing some workouts and training with my horses. I have been doing a lot of work with my Off the Track Thoroughbred, Charlie. He is training to be a dressage horse so I really hope we get to have some horse shows this summer.
I really enjoyed getting to help you this year with some of your writing and I hope that I could help you as you progress as a writer. Always remember to keep working hard and you’ll continue to get better and better.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Remote learning for me is going very well. I get my work sent to me and then I do it. I try to get my school work done in the morning. My favorite work to do online is Social Studies. We are studying European explorers like Marco Polo. How is your online learning going? What is your favorite subject?
I’ve been missing my classroom and my friends at school but I’m sometimes able to see my friends and teacher on Flipgrid. My music concert was cancelled. Also I am going to miss Mayfest, my fifth grade graduation and field day.
While I’ve been home, I’ve been reading lots of books about history. Also I’ve been taking walks in my woods and playing with my brother. I also had my eleventh birthday on Sunday.
Thank you for helping me learn how to write correctly in essays. Also thanks for being my writing buddy this year.
I hope you will have a great summer. Try to stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
Happy birthday and congratulations on getting through elementary school!
I miss school too. I usually procrastinate till the night my assignments are due. I turned in one of my assignments an hour before it was due. My favorite subject for online learning so far is probably English. We’ve had to write many essays as we’re doing an essay competition but most of the prompts are fairly interesting. The online learning has some good aspects and some bad ones. I definitely prefer the in class experience for learning because I can’t procrastinate as much but the current grading situation allows my grades to be ridiculous.
I’ve been doing some clubs and D&D so I get to see and interact with my friends a fair amount. I’ve also been reading and playing way too many video games. This pandemic has really messed up the flow of things and events that people wanted to attend. It really sucks that you won’t get to celebrate your graduation and attend the other events you mentioned.
I really enjoyed being your writing buddy this school year. I think you will do great in middle school and really enjoy it. Stay safe and wash your hands!
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Online learning is going good for me. I am able to get all of my work done fast. How is online learning going for you?
Some things I have been missing about school are seeing everyone and not being able to learn in the classroom. Also I miss specials
Some things I’ve been doing at home are painting tractors and disking fields. Also, a little bit of planting hay.
Thank you for helping me with all of my writing. I have learned A lot of things about writing. Such as adding more to paragraphs and adding good details to my writing.
From,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
Glad to hear you are enjoying online learning! I am also enjoying it. I really like that I can work at my own speed, which makes school a lot faster. I’ve been missing seeing my friends at school too. It’s still fun to play games and hang out with them virtually though. Over the break I have been playing video games, baking bread and hauling firewood. Yesterday, I finished a tree house!
Thank you for being such a good writing partner this year. Stay healthy, and congrats on graduating elementary school 🙂
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Remote learning has been a little annoying at times. But it is nice I can do my work whenever and wherever I want. I like remote learning a bit. It’s nice and is very flexible.
I have missed the organization of school and schedules. I miss specials too. I don’t miss my friends because they live right down the road. I do miss all the book choices.
I have been doing my work and have been playing outside at home. I have played with my friends and done chores.
I would like to thank you for helping me with my writing. Thanks for helping me with a bit of my grammar and teaching me a bit about it.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
I’m glad you’re alright during the quarantine! I know that these are some difficult times to go through, especially at the end of the school year.
Remote learning has been pretty easy and straightforward for me. But I don’t like how it’s dependent on having good internet connection. I also miss going to school and meeting my teachers and friends. Online learning just isn’t the same. I’m sure that we’re all strong enough to make it through this.
I’m struggling to find more stuff to occupy myself with. I try to exercise everyday now since the weather is getting better. I run outside as much as I can along with occasionally throwing a baseball with my dad. I’ve also been frequently playing ping-pong with my dad inside. It’s good that you’re doing all your work and chores.
It was great working with you and I’m happy that I was able to teach you a little bit this year. When this is all over, I’m sure that we’ll easily go back to our norm. Also, congratulations on graduating elementary school! I hope you had a great time at Marshall! You were a great writing buddy!
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Hey, online learning has been going great for me! I have learned coordinates. I miss art, gym, and music also my teacher. I have been playing games and watching tv with my dad when the girls are sleeping. Thank you for helping me with writing!
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
I hope that you’re doing well. Online learning has been nice, at least for me. I enjoy not having to wake up early for school but I miss seeing people every day and hearing different voices. I also like having less work per day, and that I can set my own schedule. At the beginning of the quarantine, I didn’t know what to do because for about ten years of my life I had been given an extremely rigid schedule and expected to follow it, all of a sudden I was the one making a schedule which was weird.
I may have asked you this before, but, what games have you been playing? I’ve been spending a lot of time practicing archery, playing frisbee, carving, reading, playing Dungeons and Dragons, drawing, and playing games. Congrats on making it through Elementary School. I hope you and your family are well and will continue to be so. Take care of yourself.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Hi Ninth Grader,
How are you today? I am doing pretty good. I just finished helping my mom cut my grandparents grass. So how do you like remote learning? I have mixed feelings about it. I like the fact that we don’t have to wake up early for the bus, but I miss being at school and asking my teacher for help.
Since you’re at THS do you miss being in the building? I miss being at Marshall for many reasons. I miss playing soccer and basketball with my friends on recess. Another reason that I miss going to school is eating lunch with my friends. Also, I miss gym class and all my teachers.
So what have you been doing besides schoolwork over the last month? Once I get my school work done, I usually get on Xbox and play Rocket League with my cousin. If the weather was good my brother and I go play basketball or soccer outside. I like splashing three’s on him. I am hoping to go to the park soon to ride my bike.
I just want to thank you for being my writing buddy. I have learned a lot from and about you. I have learned the correct format of writing a letter such as indent before every paragraph and the more questions you ask the more you found out about the person.
Hope you are doing well and staying healthy.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
Thank you for asking how I am doing today because after reading your letter I feel great. I also have mixed feelings about remote learning. I like the idea of it, but doing school work without being with my friends in a classroom environment just isn’t as good as regular school. I would always rather be with people in person than calling them or FaceTiming. I also agree with you on the fact that it’s a lot harder to get help on schoolwork because it takes some teachers a long time to answer an email.
I miss a lot of things about being at the high school, but I’ll narrow it down to three things so this paragraph isn’t a page long. The first thing that I miss about the high school is not being able to hang out with my friends at lunch. It’s just a lot more boring to eat lunch at home and not be able to talk to my friends. Another reason I miss the school is that I have to miss my freshman track season because we aren’t going to school. In track I do an event called pole vaulting and it’s very difficult to find places to do it other than the school. The last thing that I miss is learning in person. It is much easier for me to learn from a teacher in person rather than learning from online assignments that are just sent to Google Classroom by a teacher.
Over the last month during quarantine I’ve been doing a lot of things, but I mainly play video games. When the weather is good I also like to go outside. I like to go on two mile runs every two or three days and sometimes I get to go to Cook Field in Oxford and play soccer.
Thank you for being my writing buddy this year. I have learned as much from you as you have probably learned from me. I’m very glad that you’re doing well, stay healthy and make sure that you continue to posterize and splash on your brother.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Hi! How has online schooling been for you so far? Online schooling for me so far is going really good. What do you like about online school? I like not having to get up! I also like I can do my school work whenever I want to.
What have you been missing about school? I have been missing all of my friends and my teachers. There were also some school events that got canceled. My fifth grade graduation got cancelled.
What have you been doing at home? I have been going in my creek and playing hide and go seek with my brother.I also have been walking my fair animals. Another thing I have been doing is my school work.
Thank you so much for helping me with writing. I took all of the writing advice you gave me. I hope you have been doing well and have been staying healthy!
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
I’ve been doing great with my work but I think being at school is better than this. but covid is just making everything harder and more difficult to do things that me and my family want to do. I have a question , how are u doing with the whole COVID thing. How is your online school work going?
Something I’ve been missing is seeing my friends and talking to them because they’re pretty funny. I wish Covid would go away, but I don’t think thats going to happen any time soon. I also wish that people would stop going to parties and spreading the virus.
Things I’ve been doing over this time is riding my bike every day or so and I’ve been playing soccer with my brother. I play on my xbox and phone. Also i have to do chores almost every day. Such as washing clothes and doing the dishwasher and stuff like that.
I hope you are healthy and stay that way.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
Quarantine has been treating me well, although I have been struggling with the same issues as you. I, too, miss my friends, in school and otherwise. Me and my family haven’t really been struggling with doing things we enjoy, but that’s probably because most of the things we enjoy to do are centered around our house anyway.
I do miss being able to walk in public without a mask over my face. That and we don’t take as many drives. I’m still holding out hope for a vaccine to be made soon, but that doesn’t seem as likely as I wish it was. Also, you shouldn’t sweat other people’s actions. You can only control what you do. So long as you’re doing things right, that’s good enough.
My routine hasn’t been affected much. I still spend most of my time playing games and shooting with my family. I’m glad you’re still finding ways to spend time during this.
I hope you stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Remote learning for me is going great, I think it’s hard not being able to ask questions in person. I personally think it’s hard to focus when we are not in school. I like paper and pencil more than computer work and online school in general. How’s online learning for you?
I am missing a lot of things about school! For example, a wonder Wednesday presentation. I miss this because we all got to learn a lot about different ideas and subjects from each other. I also miss ETC, it’s really hard to learn new stuff when we are all away from each other. I miss everything about school right now to be honest!
At home I haven’t really been doing much at home lately.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Remote learning is going well. I don’t really like it because it is boring but there are some good things about it like I get to stay home and play on my trampoline when I am done with all my work. And have fun just with my family you know.
What I have been missing about school is seeing all my friends and hanging out with them and playing out at recess with them. That is what I really miss the most. Also, I really miss my teacher Mrs Slattery. I miss her reading to us and us doing cool kahoots. I’m going to miss that for the rest of the year. But there is a bright side you get to spend more time with your family. And find out more about yourself that maybe you didn’t know about yourself.
What I’ve been doing at home is getting up every morning and getting dressed and then I go downstairs. Then, I eat breakfast. Then I get all my work done so then I have time to go do what I want to do like jump on the trampoline and play video games.
Thank you for all your help. I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
Hi! I hope you and your family are doing well. I agree with you, remote learning can be boring, but at least we have the opportunity to continue learning. I also have really been missing my friends and teachers. What have you found out about yourself that you didn’t know before quarantine?
Jumping on the trampoline is so fun! I camped out on the trampoline a few weeks ago (it was very cold haha). I’ve been spending most of my free time outside too. I have 10 online dance classes a week that keep me very busy too.
Middle school will be so much fun for you next year, I’m sure of it. You have so much freedom and so many cool teachers! The scariest thing for me going into 6th grade was not knowing my way around the building or how to get my locker open. I can guarantee that you’ll be a pro at opening your locker and finding your way around the school in no time! You’ll also get to meet so many new friends.
I’m sad we never got to meet in person this year, but feel free to talk to me anytime! Keep doing your school work and jumping on the trampoline too. I hope you have a good rest of the school year and a good summer. Stay safe!
Sincerely,
Ninth grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
Remote learning is going great so far. Been really fun. And overall been a great time.
I have missed playing outside at recess on the ziplines. Playing on the playsets. And playing with friends.
Thanks for all of your help during this school year. It’s been a pleasure for all of your help with my learning.
Hope you’ve been doing well and staying healthy.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
Sounds like remote learning is pretty easy for you! It’s going good for me, but I can’t wait til school is over, and we can hopefully have our summer. I’ve missed seeing my friends every day, lunch, and classes. Surprisingly, being at school makes it easier to learn. I can’t really focus in my house because I get constantly interrupted.
It’s good to be at home though, just to make sure we’re all safe and as healthy as possible. I’m hoping I’ll be able to celebrate my birthday in June with my family and friends. I’m planning on having a party, but if it’s not safe, I won’t be allowed to. I’m also hoping summer will still be fun and like normal. If it isn’t, we’ll just have to make do with what we have.
I was happy to help you this year, and I’m glad I could.
Stay home, and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
I’m very pleased that I now have a chance to write to you through school work, and I am hoping all is well with you during our quarantine. School work has been coming along, although it is very frustrating for me when some things don’t save or are changed with no reasoning. Everyday I call my best friend to video chat. We have been in the same class for five years and I have never spent this much time without her, and my other classmates. We have a system where we get all of our work done together. I will have to admit, this schoolwork does seem easier than when we were at school doing our work. All is well with me and I hope that you are doing a wonderful job and are having a good time doing your school work.
Although I can speak with my friends on the phone, it could never compare to the fact that I was really being with them and sharing laughs and socializing. I miss all of my friends and teachers the most out of all of the people I know. I miss the playground too and I am not completely thrilled with all of the plans for middle school next year. If you have any advice for me, I would appreciate that very much.
Not much has been happening at home lately, but most of the things we have been doing are just everyday routines. I help my mother with cleaning, or I’ll play in the basement with my sister. We will always do our school work first thing in the morning. We will always start with math, followed by breakfast. It’s always a little boring, but It is what we do at home and that is all that matters to me. Sometimes we will go to the park to play soccer together or to walk, but the main thing we will do in the park is ride on our hover boards together.
Through so much, you’ve helped me improve my writing skills and my literature. I have appreciated everything that you do for me, and I could not have asked for a better buddy.
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
I am so glad to hear from you! I am doing well during this whole quarantine thing, and I am glad to know that you are too. As for school work, some days it takes me a couple hours, others it takes me less than 20 minutes. I have to say I can’t complain that I can now sit in my room at my desk and do my homework in my pajamas. One of my friends is homeschooled and she tells me that this is pretty much what she does everyday. That kind of makes me glad that I go to actual school (when there’s not a worldwide pandemic going on haha) I really miss the social aspect of school that’s for sure. The thing I miss the most is all of my friends. Of course, like you have been doing with your friend, we can always facetime and such but it is definitely not the same. I don’t know if you do sports or participate in any clubs or not, but I am really missing all of my FFA and 4H activities. But I guess they will all come back in time.
Just like you, I am missing my teachers. I have gotten to do a few skypes with classmates and teachers, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I miss seeing everybody at school. It’s weird that the next time I’m in high school I’ll be a sophomore! Also, CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING 5TH GRADE!!!!!!!!!!! That’s a big deal! You are going to crush it in Middle School.
As for advice on the Middle School, it’s really not so bad. I was really nervous leading up to my first day there. But as long as you get your work done, turn it in on time, and get to class when you’re supposed to, you will do just fine. All of the teachers are super nice and I for one loved each and every one of them. I still miss them now. And if you are one of those kids that is worried about their locker combination (I was haha) I promise you will figure it out with ease. Most teachers even take time out of class the first few days to go and practice opening your locker. The first month of school all of the teachers are pretty lenient on arriving to class on time. They know that it can be hard, but I am sure that you will figure everything out with time.
I have to say, although I am really missing my friends and going to school, I have really enjoyed being home more. I have gotten so much more time to just spend time with my family and relax together. To stay busy I have been working with my animals a lot. I have three goats, their names are Charlie, Belle, and Billy. My sister has a baby goat that she just bought whose name is Marley. They keep us on our toes that’s for sure. I just got two market lambs about a month ago, so I’ve been working with them a lot. Their names are Penny and Pig. My sister and I also have a pony back at the barn along with all of our other crazy animals. His name is Jack. He’s pretty ornery, but he gives us something to do.
I hope that you and your’s continue to stay safe, happy, and healthy through this difficult time. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, soon enough everything will be back to normal. Once again, congrats on graduating elementary school!!! You are going to CRUSH it in Middle School. I promise it’s not so scary as people make it seem. Take this time to enjoy just chilling with your family. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. I hope you have a great rest of your online school year, and a fantastic summer ahead of you! Happy trails!
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
My remote learning is going pretty well. It’s just I have to catch up on stuff. I’m a little behind, but that’s ok because it is hard without your teachers helping you. I hope that you are caught up on stuff as well as other people are .
I have been missing my friend and my teachers and definitely lunch.
Doing work and playing Roblox with my friends. I have been staying healthy by eating good food and playing outside on my farm. I hope you are too!!
What have you been doing during the quarantine? Do you miss school? Do you miss you miss your friends?
Thank you for all your help this year. I learned a lot from you. I hope you have a good summer.
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Fifth Grader,
These are strange times to be in. It sounds like you’re making the most of it, which is great!
I’ve been very bored (I think we all have been). I’ve hiked quite a bit the past couple of weeks at Brookville, Hueston Woods, and my own woods.
I do miss school and my friends. I don’t miss waking up early, but I do miss learning in person instead of online. I’ve also been disappointed that a lot of things have been cancelled this summer and May.
I’ve been staying healthy too and eating some great food as well. You have been a great writing partner this year. Have a great summer!
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Ninth Grader,
How is your learning going? Good? Bad? Or meh? My learning is doing fine.
What are you missing about school? I miss my buds.
What have you been doing at home? I am doing my tablet and PS3. Also for Christmas. I got an Xbox 1! Thank you for helping me for the time at school. Hope you have been doing well at home and staying healthy!
Sincerely,
Fifth Grader
Dear Buddy,
Hi! It is amazing to hear from you! Remote learning is stressful, as I am sure it is for you, but I’m getting through it! I am also really missing my friends, it is hard to not be able to see them everyday.
I also really miss my teachers, it almost feels wrong that I won’t be able to see most of them next year. It’s awesome that you are playing on your tablet and Xbox! I have been writing and reading a lot, but I’ve also been coloring and playing outside with my siblings, which has been fun. It has been so fun to talk to you these few times this year!
I hope that you are doing good! Stay safe and healthy! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Fifth Grader,
I hope you and your family are all doing well during this crazy time. Things might be difficult for a while, but I assure you, they will get better.
I hope remote learning has been treating you well. It’s been pretty good for me, I love all of the writing we’re doing that we don’t normally get to do in school, but I do miss all of my friends and teachers.
I try to get all of my school work done in the morning so I can get some yard work done outside. My family just finished building a fence around a new garden area. My next project is an exciting one. I had cut down a maple tree to make room for our new garden, and I’ve decided to take some of the wood to make an electric guitar! Then I can play all of the fun guitar solos from my favorite Pink Floyd album!
I’m sure that even though it’s a little sad that we’re all stuck at home, there’s still a little excitement: you’re going to be a middle schooler next year! Middle school is a blast and I hope you’ll love it as much as I did.
I hope you stay safe and healthy, do your schoolwork if you can, and of course, have fun with your time off!
Take care,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Fifth Grader,
Hope you’re holding up well in this weird time, it’s weird for everyone honestly. I personally am doing alright but it’s hard to keep up schoolwork when you’re not there! Besides that though, it’s been nice to spend more time with my puppy and family, along with having more time for my hobbies like drawing and painting.
Also, congrats on almost being in sixth grade! I’m sure you’ll do great in the new school and, though it seems weird and alien at first, I feel like you’ll get used to it. I hope you’ll enjoy your new classes and teachers, and hopefully you’ll get more time with them and not have almost all of your semester cut off by unforeseen complications!
I hope you’re well, have a good day!
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Fifth Grader,
I hope you and your family are safe! Congratulations on graduating elementary school!! I’m really sorry you have to miss out on all of the fun 5th grade things you were probably looking forward to! That really stinks but 6th grade is so much fun and there’s so much to look forward to! Over this time I’ve been working out a lot, reading and spending time with family. These times are certainly scary and different but I know you can get through them and make the best of it! I encourage you to stay busy and not waste this precious time with family! I hope your kitten Squeak is doing well and that you’re playing lots of basketball!!!
If you ever need anyone to listen and talk to don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. Additionally if you have questions about middle school I’d be happy to talk to you! Thanks for being my writing partner, best of wishes!!
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Fifth Grader,
I was bummed to see I didn’t receive a letter from you! However, I hope your remote learning experience is going well and that you’re finding ways to stay occupied at home. Since I’ve been out of school, I have found a lot of new ways to pass the time. I’ve cooked some delicious food, listened to music, and even played some video games here and there. If I had to guess, I would say you’ve been playing video games too! Remote learning has taken me a bit to get used to, but I’m trying my best to stay on track, and I hope you are too.
I also want to congratulate you on graduating elementary school! There are so many opportunities ahead of you and I know you’ll succeed as you move forward in your middle/high school career. As long as you stay positive and motivated, you can do anything! I hope in the time we’ve spent reading each other’s work, I was able to help you become a better writer. I certainly enjoyed reading your essays and getting to know you. I hope you have a great summer and an amazing sixth grade year.
Sincerely,
Ninth Grader
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Dear Fifth Grader,
Congratulations! You made it through elementary school! I remember when I was going into 5th grade I transferred schools. I went from a private school to a public school and boy, was it different! Despite what you hear, 6th grade is very fun, you get to meet people from both Kramer and Bogan. I met my best friend in 6th grade, and we have been friends since then. I’d like to give you some tips that I wish I knew to succeed in 6th grade:
- Don’t make everyone’s problems your problems
- Don’t jump to conclusions
- Make sure you have solid facts
- Reach out to all sorts of your classmates
I’m sorry you did not have a full 5th-grade year, but since we have hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. So keep your head high and have a fantastic day!
Your Friend,
Ninth Grader
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