Our PCA Experience During COVID-19

During a time of true uncertainty in our world, we did not know what to expect with remote learning. This, compounded with the fact that we were working from home, we were dealing with the stresses that came with this unique time while also realizing the supervision and engagement that would be required of my small children in home education. Like most parents – we initially felt overwhelmed at the thought!

We can promise you, our fears went away nearly instantly after we picked up our boys on that very last day of school. The director, Dina Jason, recognized that parents were being challenged to take on an enormous amount of extra responsibility while at home for an undetermined amount of time. The preparedness of the staff on DAY ONE, was beyond impressive. On that first day, we were given a detailed curriculum, plans of action, information for upcoming zoom calls and notes of support from the teachers. His teachers and I built a bridge of positive communication! Cell phone numbers were exchanged, teachers were encouraging us to call and FaceTime with them or to set up one-on-one zoom calls for extra support. There were constant emails coming from the caring staff and handwritten notes delivered to our home; telling my children how much they were missed and loved. The thoughtfulness continued when birthdays and Namesday celebrations were missed, but live zoom calls were scheduled in their place.

For us, this was an eye-opening experience in more ways than one. During a time of “unknowns”, and a school closure crisis that we can very well expect again, we are grateful that our children will be continuing their education at PCA. Small class sizes become a community. With fewer students, individuals can connect more closely with their peers. I know my children will get the attention they deserve.

– The Dimitrakakos Family