Richmond Rocks! Tuckahoe Elementary
On October 26th, I spent the morning at Tuckahoe Elementary School with author Kate Hall and illustrator Knox Hubard for a Richmond Rocks! book event. During the presentation, Kate and Knox explained to the students just how much teamwork was involved in publishing a book. This concept really seemed to resonate with the TES kids.
Also, I was very impressed by what a very enthusiastic but well-behaved audience they were. And at the end of the presentation, they presented Kate and Knox with hand-made thank you posters and balloons. It was a truly wonderful visit!
Author Kate Hall and Illustrator Knox Hubard at Tuckahoe Elementary School
Tuckahoe – Oh no!
Imagine how upset I was when a mere two weeks later, I heard about the fire and the extent of the smoke damage at Tuckahoe! And not only that, but that it would be at least several weeks before the kids would be able to return to their school. Where on earth, I wondered, would they be able to put an entire student body for three weeks?
I was more than relieved when I heard that my son’s school, Short Pump Middle School, actually had enough capacity to host them all.
Welcome Elementary Students to Middle School!
On November 15th, just a few days after the fire, while cleanup crews were beginning to deal with the extensive smoke damage at their home school, the Tuckahoe students filed into the gymnasium of their temporary home for the next few weeks.
They cheerfully started their day with a big cheer, and a rousing rendition of their school song, singing, “We all work together, as a team […] We have lots of fun. We’re number one! We keep on growing day by day!”
And since then, the Tuckahoe kids have quickly settled in comfortably in their temporary location.
“The elementary school kids got to watch our Tech class race their CO2 cars today,” my son Yousef cheerfully told me one day. “They really seemed to like that!”
Richmond Rocks! illustrator Knox Hubard, who is also a TES parent, had this to say about Short Pump Middle School, “The community there has been so fantastic, welcoming, and accommodating. We are so very fortunate.”
His wife, Sarah, who is a TES teacher, added, “We cannot fully express how grateful we are for the gracious welcome our TES family has received from our colleagues and friends at SPMS. Each kind word and each thoughtful note has made us feel thankful to call SPMS our home away from home while the clean up continues at Tuckahoe.”
Teamwork Rocks!
Laura Pleasants, Tuckahoe PTA President, also has been very pleased with how well their school has been accommodated during this difficult time. “As parents, we have been so impressed with the ability of Henrico County Public Schools to execute a contingency plan that required moving 700 students—keeping us all together—with so few days lost. The teamwork between TES staff, SPMS staff, and HCPS has set a wonderful example for our students. SPMS has been so welcoming and the middle schoolers have been so understanding. Our kids have adjusted beautifully—at first, it was kind of like going to camp, now it’s just school.”
And of course, let’s not forget about the Tuckahoe Parent Volunteers that have been on campus all day, every day. “We have had about a dozen parent volunteers at SPMS each day—monitoring the hallways, helping the youngest ones use the big sinks in the bathrooms, and basically getting kids wherever they may need to go. The distances, and communicating with the classrooms has been an administrative challenge, and our volunteers are helping with that,” she said.
“The transition to SPMS would not have been as seamless as it was without their helping hands!” Sarah added.
TES Spirit
Laura emphasized that the Tuckahoe teachers’ adaptability and positive spirit has definitely been setting a good example for the students. “Yes, some of the classrooms are not ideal, there is no playground equipment, our teachers have had to be creative to teach lessons without their usual materials, and our PTA has had to shuffle a few activities. But, we have classrooms, we have a giant field to run around in, and I think our teachers are enjoying taking a different tack with the curriculum. We have no complaints; it’s been an adventure!”
Tuckahoe Principal Cindy Patterson also commented on TES spirit. “It is astonishing to witness the flexibility, creativity, and the TES spirit of our teachers every day. It truly makes me proud to start our day together in the gym with 700 students singing our school song and saying our TES motto,” Principal Patterson said in her Thanksgiving newsletter.
“As we sing in our school song each morning, “Tuckahoe – Elementary! We’re especially extraordinary! We work so very hard to be the best that we can be!” said Sarah.
It Takes a Village
Principal Patterson said that she is extremely grateful to PTA President Laura Pleasants for being her communication liaison during this time, so that she could focus all of her attention on making essential decisions.
In addition, Principal Patterson gave thanks for support from community, including more than half a dozen HCPS Elementary Schools that have adopted TES grade levels to share supplies and other resources, Fluvanna County Schools for sending in supplies, HCPS Support teams (central office staff, technology, food service, transportation, Construction & Maintenance), and even a local Chick-Fil-A for sending lunches to TES teachers.
Sarah has been quite moved by the support that the teachers have received. “Materials and supplies continue to arrive – we are humbled and touched by the generosity that has been extended to our faculty, staff, and students.
“‘Thank you’ could never fully express the breadth of our gratitude,” she said. “Cleaning efforts at TES have been tremendous! Multiple crews are committed to the safe and prompt return of our students and teachers. We sincerely appreciate each and every crew and member who has assisted in the cleanup effort,” she added.
“Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the fantastic leadership exhibited by our Administrative Team. Each member continues to keep a sincere focus on where it belongs, on our students. Working collaboratively, the team facilitated a seamless transition which allowed teachers to continue offering safe and meaningful learning opportunities for our students. Regardless of location, learning continues at Tuckahoe Elementary!” she said.
It’s Going to be Quiet Around Here…
Even though the kids have enjoyed their time at their temporary campus, Laura says that, nonetheless, they are looking forward to going back to their own school on December 13th.
And will their TES spirit be missed at the middle school?
“I’m sure SPMS will wonder why it’s so quiet on our first day back at TES; 700 elementary students can be a little noisy!” she quipped.
Richmondmom.com commends everyone involved with making this temporary transition a positive one. It is definitely a demonstration of teamwork, commitment, and focus that will be with these students, administrators, teachers, and parents for years to come. The fire at their school was a tragedy, but the lessons learned about teamwork and cooperation are priceless!
