TAMMS (WSIL) -- Teachers in Tamms are communicating with their students in unique ways while out of school.
"We have about 200 in the elementary, and so we're hoping we'll get to them, and then we have about 200 in the high school, too."
Angie Gordon, along with many other teachers and staff members of Egyptian School in Tamms, organized what they're calling a Teacher Parade on Friday.
"We've heard about it, talked about it, and we thought, you know let's get together and see what we can do to get out there in the community to see the kids, to let them know that we're still here, that we're thinking about them and that we miss them," said Assistant Principal Carie Arbuckle.
Like most teachers statewide, these teachers haven't been able to see their students for a while now.
"We're so excited, we missed our kids so much. It'll be so cool to actually see some of them. We're going to run the bus routes, we've been doing meal service delivery every day, and so we kind of have people used to the idea of coming out to see us, and so were just so excited to kind of see some of those faces, and we've made signs to wish them well," said Gordon.
Of course, precautions are in place to keep everyone safe from the spread of COVID-19.
"We were planning on passing out the next round of packets this way, but we figured it would be really hard for them not to rush up and get that hug that they really want, and that we really want too. But we want to keep our distance, so we're doing individual vehicles and some service vehicles as well."
Teachers also want to share their appreciation for parents of their students.
"Being there at home, and taking over that role of being a teacher, it's a difficult thing, but it's also something that's done out of love and care, and we appreciate everything that they're doing," said Arbuckle.
Gordon adds that it's important for their students to not feel so alone during these dificult times.
"Obviously, as a kindergarten teacher, it is just imperative that they see me every now and again, because I need to see them just as much as they need to see me, and just know that we're in this together, and that we'll get through it."
Arbuckle wants her students to know that they haven't left.
"If you need something, reach out to us. I know all the teachers have put out their emails. I know other teachers are communicating in other ways, but we're here. We didn't just go away."
The school is also delivering meals to students while classes are disrupted, to help families who may be struggling during this time.
