In response to the April 23rd article, “Lesson Learned: Reading and Writing the Remote Way,” we were pleased to read about Lynnfield schools’ progress with remote learning. As town residents with a child in private school, we would like to like to extend our appreciation for our family’s experience.
Our daughter attends Epstein Hillel School in Marblehead, where she is in fifth grade. For over a month, our daughter has been learning at home with a consistent routine for all of her coursework. Through a combination of real-time video calls, interactive games, and group projects, Epstein Hillel faculty have found creative ways to keep the students actively engaged in their academics while simultaneously connecting them to their friends and greater school community.
But despite the advantages, adjusting has not been easy for anyone. As parents during a global pandemic, we are concerned about the future and about our children’s well-being, and it is a stressful time for all of us. That’s why we are so grateful for Epstein Hillel’s focus on wellness and for the efforts of Director of Student Services Natalie Maryansky.
“Ms. Natalie,” as she is known to the students, uses her social work background to help students adjust to this new reality through weekly small group sessions and one on one support. She and the school’s administrative team have been proactively identifying students and families who may need extra support in this difficult time. For our family, this has made a huge difference, as Ms. Natalie has worked closely with our daughter and helped her navigate challenges that have arisen.
We are very impressed with Epstein Hillel School’s academic program in this time of crisis, but more importantly with how they have shown compassion for the students and their families.
With much appreciation,
Miriam and Phillip Blue
Lynnfield
