Leadership in a time of isolation

The strange days of isolation due to COVID-19 have denied people the social interactions everyone needs. Heading to work, seeing neighbors, visiting with family, or just going out to a restaurant comprise important elements of daily life and mental health.

Leaders at Richards High School understood this.

So this week they took time to drive to the homes of all staff members to deliver lawn signs as a reminder of their value – and very simply that they’re missed.

In addition to Principal Dr. Mike Jacobson, staff members Alison Wilde, Beth Janus Doyle, Cora Umecker, Courtney Easter, Caroline Mesaf. Deb Swanson, Danielle Krawisz, Janeen Abdelhadi, Kelly Fleming, Kelly Lucca, Kirstin Cucio, and Sarah Szczepkowski delivered signs.

Their friends appreciated the effort.

“I’ve worked for several districts and this is the one that feels like home. Through every challenge in life I have felt tremendous support from everyone in 218. This sign was a reminder that we’re still all in this together. It also was necessary comic relief and I’m grateful for that!” said Spanish teacher Alexis Morford.

Science teacher Stan Natonek summed the gesture succinctly.

“Leadership isn’t about talking it’s about doing,” he said.

Richards planned the outreach as a surprise.

“We actually buzzed Mike (Jacobson) in thinking it was a mail guy ... didn't even greet him at the door because they usually drop things off and leave... until I heard a ‘hello’ in the hallway. I ran out in a panic,” laughed social worker Alicia Newhall.

English teacher Nicole Petrauskas lives alone. The gesture carried enormous significance for her.

“Mike, even if my comments don't make it to press, I want you to know what I said. As we’re all dealing with such high anxiety during this horrific crisis on a literal life and death level, we are also dealing with teaching young humans over technology. It has not been easy, but we do it because we’re Bulldogs,” she said.

“Mike Jacobson is our leader; he’s stepped up and kept us going with the truth we need and his much-needed sense of humor. I applaud him for being at the building every single day. I am always relieved when I can go to him with a problem, and he’s there - responding almost immediately,” she added.

Petrauskas noted that Jacobson drove to homes on his own time.

“On top of that, he delivers and puts up these signs on his own time… I don’t think there’s an administrator in this country who would have done this to show his staff members how VERY much they are appreciated. His thoughtfulness, kindness, unconditional support and unwavering truth through all of this makes me proud to be a Bulldog,” she said.

If teachers were not home, colleagues just planted the sign. Teachers Darcey and Todd Reczkiewicz found the sign when they returned.

“We loved seeing our sign in the yard! Throughout the entire shelter in place our building administration has been super responsive to helping us in anyway necessary. We are so thankful to part of the awesome Bulldog Community!” said Darcey Reczkiewicz.

“The sign really made my day when I saw it a couple of mornings ago. It reminded me how special District 218 really is and made me miss my colleagues and students even more than I already do,” said social studies teacher John Wydra.

Teachers miss the collegial atmosphere in their buildings. The signs reminded them that they belong.

“This gift from my colleagues reminded me that I am a part of something bigger than myself! Sometimes the isolation can feel lonely, but this was a reminder that we in this together! We are all working hard each day to make things a little bit better for each other and our students! I feel so grateful for this thoughtful gesture that brought back that sense of community I miss so much!” said art teacher Michelle Richardella.

“My son Chris (teacher assistant at Richards) and I are so proud to be a part of the Bulldog community! Thank you to Mike Jacobson for his creativity!!! Every person who has stopped to read the sign has commented on how strong our community must be,” said teacher and instructional coach Mary Annerino.