ROCKLAND — Principal Marilyn Smith is pleased to share the following video on behalf of the Esten Elementary School Parent Advisory Council.
The nearly 10-minute video features Esten students holding signs letting their teachers know that they have missed them during the school closure resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Other messages include “Esten Strong,” “Good Vibes Only” and “Bulldog Forever.”
The video was in response to a video Esten staff recently sent to students telling them to be strong during the closure, and that they were missed. Staff wanted to do a parade around town, but were unable to as a result of the stay-in-place order. The students responded with a video of their own.
Members of the Esten PAC were able to collect the clips from students mostly through word of mouth, and were compiled by parent Angela Dever. PAC President Nicole Dever then forwarded the video to Principal Smith.
“Students have been taken out of their normal everyday routines, and school is a part of that routine,” Principal Smith said. “We as educators miss our students terribly and the kids miss their teachers as much as we miss them. It was so touching to see all of their faces and for them to share their wonderful messages in the video.”
The video opens with students reciting the Bulldog Pledge, which is said by the school at the start and end of each school day. It also features the Carrie Underwood song “The Champion,” which Principal Smith often plays for the students due to its uplifting and encouraging message.
“To hear that song and to hear the students say the pledge really means a lot,” Principal Smith said. “I sent it to my teachers, with a warning to have tissues close. I don’t think there was a dry eye for anyone who works at the school.”
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Students at Rockland’s Esten Elementary School recently participated in a nearly 10-minute video where they told their teachers how much they’ve missed them during the ongoing school closure. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) 
Students at Rockland’s Esten Elementary School recently participated in a nearly 10-minute video for their teachers. They held signs with messages such as, “We Miss You,” “#Bulldog Strong” and “Good Vibes Only.” (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools) 
Students at Rockland’s Esten Elementary School recently participated in a nearly 10-minute video where they told their teachers how much they’ve missed them during the ongoing school closure. (Photo courtesy Rockland Public Schools)