We are in unprecedented times and uncharted waters. We all are feeling anxious and unsure as things evolve every day and sometimes every hour, but we will get through this together.

COVID-19 has pushed our nation and many others to their limits. Even though it has exposed many growth opportunities in our healthcare, employment, and education system, it has also brought the best out in our people and communities. We are seeing neighbors helping neighbors who are at high risk – delivering groceries and helping working parents with childcare. New bonds are being created and new friendships are being forged. Washington state is at the epicenter of COVID-19 AND humanity at its best. Suddenly our hearts have swelled like we never thought possible.

COVID-19 is putting our whole education system at test. Many schools have shut down for weeks. In Washington state, all schools are being closed till April 24th. This break is as long as some summer breaks for students, except it’s completely unplanned and right in the middle of their learning phase. High school students have material to cover for their AP tests, they have to prepare for SAT/ ACT tests, they may have been planning few college visits, and now everything has come to a screeching halt. Even middle and elementary school students are trying to grasp the situation of almost eight weeks of school closures. Teachers are trying to do online learning and get teared up when they give virtual hugs to their students. Lot of memories will not be created due to “social distancing.” Impacts are staggering not only from health perspective, but also from economic, mental, and psychological perspective.

Even though it’s not easy for students or parents to be at home for extended periods, we can make the best of it by giving students opportunity to think, be creative, learn and grow.

At Cirkled In, we want to express our support for students, educators, parents, and the broader education community.

Our mission is to help students become college- and career-ready, even though this may not be the top priority for many families and schools right now. As we adjust to the new normal of learning from home, you can continue telling your story through your Cirkled In portfolio.

If you have questions, please reach out to our support email or phone lines. We are here to help you. You can reach us at contact@cirkledin.com or 425-954-5237. We will help you with whatever we can. You can also follow us on social media (Facebook, twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest) where we’ll share information related to education in this new norm and resources for at-home learning.

Our school and university customers are in firefighting mode as they work to prepare campuses during these uncertain times.

Walking through nearly empty campuses across America feels strange and unsettling. Many people are wondering what the next few weeks will bring. US Universities have been hard at work expanding their international presence and student body for many years. Also US students studying abroad have been increasing every year. Current crisis will force us to rethink that strategy. We want to express our support to you during this crisis. Please let us know of any help that we can provide.

I’m sure as always, we will come out of this situation better and stronger. Hard times are testing times, that shape us as people, society, nation and even world. I remember whole nation felt numb after 9/11 and look at us almost 2 decades ago – safest country in the world! COVID-19 will make us a country with a robust healthcare system, advanced and cutting-edge education system, and a healthy economy. We are stronger when we stand together. American ingenuity, determination, and resilience help us overcome the challenges we face. With this spirit, we are confident that we can move past COVID-19 and continue progressing forward. Let’s all make it our best performing time and create history in these testing times!

We wish you, and all of us the very best luck as we pass through this temporary tough phase of humanity. Stay Safe and Be well.

With best wishes and lots of hugs from everyone at Cirkled In.

Cirkled In Team.