CLF Spotlight: Parent Gives Kudos to Teachers at CSP

Dear Principal Jefferson,

I want to take the time to acknowledge you and your team. Ms. Thomas, Mr. Skicism, Ms. Conley, Mr. Piskin, Ms. Heyde, Ms. Pratt, and Ms. Beazer all did such a phenomenal job as Kori’s 7th-grade teachers. Many parents, including me, were worried that the quality of education would possibly dip due to the virtual format. I found the opposite to be the case. Kori was further challenged and after some oversight by her stepfather and I to help her connect some concepts (Ms. Conley, I think you remember our discussion about sources), she took on most challenges independently. In addition, I have found that uncompromising expectations of the students served to motivate her further. In my own observation and upon Kori’s reflection of the school year, we unearthed positive takeaways from each of her teachers. Ms. Heyde made her presentations fun and pretty, where you can tell she put a lot of work into her lessons. In addition, she broadened Kori’s interest in English. Ms. Thomas utilized fun games to keep interest and help the class learn. She always looked forward to her class. Mr. Skicism employed math games and always displayed excitement in his learning style. Ms. Conley provided tons of resources. Though one of the more difficult classes, she was always there to answer questions thoroughly and patiently and always offered enough support to be successful. Ms. Pratt encouraged activity beyond the desk, screen and chair by assigning the class to find items inside and outside the home to create beautiful art and imagery. Mr. Piskin was personable and went through the steps of building a computer which she really enjoyed! Ms. Beazer always encouraged creative ways to do experiments with resources at home which kept lessons interesting outside of the classroom.

It is not without the guidance, patience, and skilled teaching abilities of this team that Kori could have walked away with a near 4.0 semester. Kori worked very hard while also facing COVID and its impacts on the psyche and the inability to socialize with peers in person. Despite these obstacles, she was a straight -A student. This would not have been possible without all of her teachers, and by extension, Mr. Jefferson and his leadership. Though I know this is not always an easy profession and one that can feel thankless at times, this parent sincerely thanks you. Like really…THANK YOU!

I hope the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation knows what a gem it has in CSP. To ensure, I have sent these comments to the board via the CLF Spotlight.
Please enjoy your well-deserved Summer!

Best,

Shawna (Doyle) Nichols (Mother of Kori Doyle)