Fairfield Kindergarten Class Thanks Teacher With Parade

FAIRFIELD, CT — Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and one Fairfield kindergarten class made sure their teacher knew just how much they appreciate her.

Paula Healey’s class at North Stratfield Elementary School held a car parade May 7 outside Healey’s house in a display of thanks that complied with the safety protocol necessary during the new coronavirus outbreak. Students have been learning from home for about two months and will not return to the classroom this school year, in order to prevent transmission of the virus, which is associated with the death of more than 3,100 Connecticut residents.

“(Healey) makes it look like she’s been distance learning for her entire career,” said Jessica Iannacone, whose 6-year-old daughter, Madison, is in Healey’s class.

Madison has been missing her teacher and, after participating in several birthday parades for classmates, suggested one for Healey.

“The kids all miss each other,” Jessica said. “… We thought it was a nice way to send some positivity.”

That positivity was well-received by Healey, who greeted the parade from her yard, holding a sign and pom-poms to cheer on her students. The children made signs of their own for Healey, including two from Madison.

“Seeing their smiling faces in those car windows was just the greatest gift ever,” Healey said in an email.

But Healey’s gratitude for her students extends far beyond the parade.

“Every single one of my kindergarteners is engaging in distance learning and doing their very best on every assignment,” she said in the email. “Their parents are incredible … every day they model for their children positivity and resourcefulness in even the most challenging situations.

“They are working so hard, and for them to take time away from all of that to do that parade for me is just the most wonderful act of kindness!”