An open letter: A year ago at this time, we were getting ready to celebrate Christmas with no idea what COVID-19 was or what was ahead of us in 2020. The year of 2020 has been a year like no other for us all as individuals, family members and community members. You have all been called on to make decisions on issues you never dreamed you would face this year. In our schools, we have had to balance the safety and health of our students, teachers and staff, along with the critical task of continuing to provide our students with the educational experience they need. These decisions have been difficult for everyone. Despite these challenges, what leaves me feeling pride and optimism is that no one has wavered from their commitment to children through “Raising Standards by Educating for Tomorrow, Today.” I have instilled a tradition in my family this time of year to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” in order to instill messages about selflessness, family and service to others. In place of…