Harborview Elementary School, Juneau School District

When school buildings closed to students in March, Harborview Elementary quickly shifted their instruction to distance delivery. Some grades were already utilizing online platforms in their classrooms, so they continued using those tools for an easier transition. Through the virtual platforms teachers were able to set up morning meetings, post daily messages, propose daily learning schedules, and provide academic links. Students could communicate to their teachers and classmates through the platforms. Most families utilized Class Dojo to stay engaged with their students’ teachers and learning plans. Teachers and counselors even delivered schoolwork to individual students’ houses! The Juneau School District surveyed families through the remainder of the school year to assess outstanding needs related to remote learning. Teachers and principals from schools across the city collaborated to ensure students had access to the same opportunities. Staying connected was a challenge, but school staff went above and beyond for their students and families.

Harborview staff knew they wanted to make 5^th grade promotion a special and safe event for their students and families. Instead of the normal group celebration, staff scheduled a 10-minute celebration with each individual student. Staff- complete with a bubble machine, pool noodles, and a megaphone – spread out across the sidewalk to wave and congratulate the promoting 5^th graders. Because social distancing prevented photo ops, staff had life size banners made of Harborview’s teachers and principal for families to get photos. At the end of each celebration, the promoting 5^th grader got to run through a celebratory finish line to receive their promotion certificate! Almost every 5^th grade family showed up for their special celebration.

Harborview houses the Tlingit Culture, Language, and Literacy Program (TCLL), an optional program that works Tlingit language and worldview into its curriculum. TCLL hosted its own unique promotion ceremony to celebrate the promotion of their 5^th graders into middle school. TCLL teachers, paraprofessionals, and Sealaska Heritage Institute staff drove to each 5^th grade student’s home to present a special individualized poster and copper tináa, a gift that symbolizes the wealth of knowledge accumulated over the course of their elementary years, while singing traditional Tlingit songs. Each student received a speech from their TCLL teacher.

On the last day of school, it’s a Harborview tradition for all the teachers and staff to stand outside and wave goodbye to their students leaving on the school buses. This year, because students weren’t at the school, the staff brought the tradition to their students! They hosted a Purple Bus Parade, led by Principal Box’s purple bus. Staff lead a parade through town and neighborhoods to honk and wave at their students.

As the end of this challenging year came to a close, schools around the district came together to make sure students felt special, connected, and celebrated. Getting through the school year would not have been possible without the support from Juneau’s Superintendent, the schools, principals, educators, paraprofessionals, and families! With the community’s support, Harborview is looking forward to reuniting with its students in the 2020-21 school year.

Thank you, Harborview Elementary, for making sure every student felt celebrated at the close of the 2019-2020 school year!