How long have you been at Jerabek? What do you love about the school?
This year was our 4th year at Jerabek. I love so many things about this school, but mostly I love the friendly families and truly wonderful friendships I've been able to make here. Jerabek feels like a big awesome family to me.
What have been your biggest takeaways during the COVID19 pandemic?
1) Treat everyone you encounter with kindness and grace. We have no idea what they might be going through or what kind of day they are having. Just because they aren't sharing it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I thought my situation was tough with full time work and kid at home all day and the guilt of giving attention to one and not the other but once I looked around, everyone had their own unique struggles too. Everyone is under stress. It doesn't help to wallow in it. Showing positivity to someone else ended up brightening both our days
2) Family time is golden, make it a priority. Sometimes there is so much stuff going on with sports, social engagement, etc. that we don't take time to just stop and be together and enjoy each other's company. COVID has forced that special time, especially early on. We are back to busy nights and weekends but now I make sure to block time on the calendar for chill family time together. I kind of miss those puzzles and game nights.
You were instrumental in bringing the STEAM lab to Jerabek. How does it feel seeing the STEAM lab come to life?
The amount of work some of us parents put into that lab was immeasurable. The vision that was created for the lab was spectacular and we pulled it off, it's hard to believe sometimes. My absolutely favorite thing to hear in the STEAM lab is the phrase "I did it!" when a student figures something out on their own. Seeing their happy, proud, triumphant faces is the coolest gift ever and makes me so happy every time I'm in there. I love how much fun the kids have in the lab, there is this buzz of happy, productive energy that I just love. It is seriously my "happy place".
What are you most looking forward to about serving as FFO president?
I just want to help make the elementary school experience at Jerabek the best experience it can be for all of our students. So if we have a chance to help bring in additional enrichment opportunities, or a special grant or new program or something cool in the STEAM lab, and keep all our current amazing enrichment programs running, I will feel good about my time as FFO president. None of that can be accomplished without all the amazing teams making it happen, and that is truly what I'm looking forward to the most, working together with everyone on all our events and programs, and towards that common goal of providing this great experience for all our kids.
Thank you Robyn!
We are looking forward to a great year!