Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Port Arthur Independent School District staff members are sharing messages across social media of love, hope and encouragement inspiring students and parents to keep moving forward during this crisis.

The trend started on Facebook with Wheatley School of Early Childhood Programs Principal Fredia Reynolds speaking to the tiniest Titans and their parents through a YouTube video last Thursday.

April 23 marked exactly four weeks since the last time students physically attended campus.

“We miss you,” Reynolds said. “We miss the laughs in these hallways. We miss the tears that sometime come in the morning. We miss each and every one of you. I just wanted to come and let you know that you are in our hearts and in our minds.”

Reynolds congratulated parents and students alike for the work being done during remote learning.

“I have seen some of the best videos, some of the best student pictures, student work, and our teachers are phenomenal,” she said. “The videos they are doing, the phone calls that they are making, everything they are doing in the midst of this pandemic, is so our children can stay connected. Everybody is still working behind the scenes to make sure that the love of learning continues to grow.

“I hope that when we get through this time that you all experience the real love we have for our families, our students, our staff and for our community. We want everyone to know that you are missed, you are loved and what you do really does matter.”

Thomas Jefferson Middle School teachers followed with their video message Friday displaying a compilation of voices.

Said Ashley Walker: “If you don’t know me I am the life skills teacher, as well as the coach for the dazzling dolls and the cheerleaders. I just wanted to come and tell you all how much we love and miss you and can’t wait to get back to school with you.”

Said Alvin Broussard: “Think high and your deeds will grow. Think low and you’ll fall behind. Say that you can and you will, for it’s all in the state of your mind. I just want to stop by to say I love you all, I miss you all and I can’t wait to see you all again soon.”

The Memorial High School Class of 2019 shared their words of encouragement Saturday to the current 2020 senior class.

The 2019 officers also announced an extra surprise in the YouTube video. Class President Alleana Jacobs, along with vice president Tiffany Tran, secretary Chree Leda, Treasurer Ayauna Washington, Chaplain Jaqualin Jones and representatives Kayla Broussard an Barbara Rubio are giving away six college-prep baskets worth $50 each.

To enter, seniors must post a video or photo of their favorite high school memory on any social media platform with #WeAre2020Strong. Three names will be drawn and submissions are accepted through May 6 at noon.

Memorial High School Principal Glenn Mitchell said it means a lot to see former students supporting the current senior Titans.

“It’s an expression of gratefulness to see our athletes, our band members and colleagues reflect on how others are feeling,” he said. “It feels very good to know that these students are looking to support others. It resounds the fact that the whole village is being raised as a caring village and make sure that the next level is being adequately taken care of.”

More videos and words of encouragement are posted to the school district’s Facebook page daily (Check Port Arthur ISD – Port Arthur).