As the Executive Director of A One-Room Schoolhouse, it brings me immense joy to welcome back our dedicated teachers, beloved families, and cherished students to another year of extraordinary learning and growth. Our schoolhouse is a unique blend of homeschooling and classroom education, and as we embark on this new academic journey, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and encouragement to each of you.
To Teachers: The Architects of Knowledge
To my One-Room Schoolhouse teachers, both seasoned and new, your commitment to excellence is truly exceptional. Over this summer, I have witnessed the remarkable dedication and effort you have poured into preparing for this school year. Four of you are brand new to our Schoolhouse, (Yes, this blog post only highlights three of them! But, shhhh… we hired another for a little pilot program that I may talk about publicly soon!) and your strides in setting up the most beautiful classrooms, crafting extraordinary curricula, and building a community of faithful, caring, and lifelong learners have been nothing short of inspiring.
As we stand on the brink of a new academic year, I offer my heartfelt prayers to seven of my partner teachers for your success, strength, and stamina. Just as a gardener guides every step with care and nurturing, I pray that your journey through this school year is guided by the same deliberate, thoughtful approach. Know that you are not alone in this endeavor. God is watching over you as you undertake the noble work of building a community of learners and shaping young minds.
As I watch each of you, from afar, passionately build your classrooms and prepare for the year ahead, I am in awe of your work, dedication, and creativity. Going forward, remember that you are not merely educators but architects of knowledge, sculpting the future of our students and laying the foundation for their success. Know that your efforts are deeply appreciated and that you are instrumental in preserving the very essence of what education has to offer.
To Families: Our Valued Partners
To our One-Room Schoolhouse families, some of you embarked on this educational journey years ago, and your unwavering support has been the bedrock of our growth. For some reason, beyond my imagination, you trusted me and my humble basement classroom to join your family in your educational journey. You have been with us through multiple location changes, countless classrooms, and an extraordinary educational adventure. Like a snowball gathering strength and size along its journey, we started with just 16 students in my basement, and today, we proudly educate more than 160 students across four schoolhouse campuses in the Pittsburgh metro area.
This remarkable growth and success are a testament to families like yours—dedicated to a new, innovative, and novel form of education. You partner with our professional teachers to provide your children with the most up-to-date, research-based educational methodologies available. You have chosen to walk this unconventional path with us, and we are deeply grateful for your trust and commitment.
Parents and families, please understand that we are your partners on this journey. We walk hand in hand with you, accompanying your children as they explore the realms of knowledge and personal growth. Thank you for inviting us to share in this incredible adventure, and for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children.
To Students: The Bright Beacons of Tomorrow
To our students, you are the heart and soul of A One-Room Schoolhouse, and you are loved beyond measure. You are the reason why I do this! Your parents hold you close to their hearts, and your teachers are inspired by your potential and dedication. Each of you has been on our minds throughout the summer as we prepared for this school year with great care and enthusiasm.
Your curriculum has been thoughtfully chosen, with input from you, your parents, and your teachers. We have high expectations for you this year—we know that your hard work and dedication will shine brightly. We believe that your commitment to learning will surpass that of your peers, and we have every confidence that you will become truly independent, lifelong learners. Your areas of difficulty will transform into your strengths, and you will grasp knowledge with the tenacity that sets you apart.
Students, always remember that you are not alone on this educational journey. Your teachers have tirelessly worked to support you, and your families are here to guide and walk alongside you on your educational path. Know that you are surrounded by a community that believes in your potential and is dedicated to nurturing your growth.
To Our Entire Community: A Year of Promise
As we embark on this new school year, I extend my warmest wishes to our entire community—teachers, families, and students alike. May this year be filled with the promise of growth, knowledge, and achievement. Let us face the challenges and triumphs together, knowing that God’s guiding hand is upon us.
May this school year be one of inspiration, innovation, and incredible learning. May we cherish every moment of discovery, and may the bonds of our schoolhouse community grow even stronger. As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I pray that God holds each of you in His loving hand and carries you through the year with grace and wisdom.
Here’s to another year of excellence, growth, and memorable moments at A One-Room Schoolhouse.
With warm regards,
Genevieve Peterson
Executive Director, A One-Room Schoolhouse
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