On behalf of the Board of Education and the Administrative team, I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless efforts over the past three weeks and the weeks ahead in these unprecedented times under the Covid 19 virus, to care and support our students and young adults while also sustaining a high level of instructional delivery remotely and also taking care of your respective families. Words cannot describe my gratitude. You are heroes to our students and to one another. Having done intensive work especially since prior to the school closures and during the last few weeks, this Spring break is a welcomed interruption. Though we will not be going anywhere, it is time to put the intensive school day routine aside and smell the flowers and just be with family which matters the most in times like this. Unfortunately in these times of social distancing, the occasions when we get together are very different and for many, are virtually happening. I wish all of you a well- deserved Spring Break and quality time with family. We also remember in a special way those close to us who we lost this year and particularly to the Covid 19 virus and remember those who are serving in our Armed Forces and who protect our freedoms we enjoy each day.
As you have seen across the county and the State, we were well prepared as our careful planning resulted in successful execution. Kudos to all of you who dove in, took advantage of professional development and experimented with various modalities to best reach our students. Our education plans included the use of chromebooks, individualized lesson plans for many students, personal contact by teachers, support staff and where appropriate, related services staff and nurses. We continue to provide meals twice a week to our families (1600 meals served on one of the days last week) and technological support to those in need. Our buildings have been sanitized and we have a presence in the district of administrators, non-aligned staff, buildings and grounds, technology, security at food distribution sites, bus drivers to deliver meals and those in the central office who support personnel and business operations for the districts. We have not lost a beat and that is as a result of their tireless dedication.
The Governor this week indicated that schools will be closed for a longer period of time. We do not know when that may be, but suffice it to say that we will be doing business as usual remotely for the foreseeable future until we receive direction from the Governor or local officials. We have in place plans to address some of the concerns about grades and assessments which will be shared with you if not already. We have received guidance regarding SGOs, staff evaluations and graduation requirements among other curricular and instructional issues. We thank you for your patience. I know that I have heard from a number of parents who now say how much they really appreciate what educators do day in and day out - it is a lot of work. As I have always said, teaching is one of the most important professions because it prepares students to be better iterations of themselves and positions students for a future that does not yet exist.
Despite the virus and its impact on our lives, we must be hopeful, take care of you and your families and be the very best you are because we need your very best. As Andra Day sings, we will "Rise Up." Take a moment to listen. That is why you are part of the District team. May you find time to be rejuvenated, for there were also many milestones that were reached across the District this past year. May you also find that inner peace and strength in these challenging times to come out stronger and to know that together we will continue to build something special. I was struck by the Queen Mother, Elizabeth II's extraordinary speech the other day to address the impact of the Covid 19 virus on her nation as well as the world. Here are a few lines of which I feel can best be applied to all of us as Americans:
Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge, and those who come after us will say (of us that we) of this generation were as strong as any, that the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet, good-humored resolve, and of fellow feeling still characterize this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.
I thank all of you personally and professionally for all that you do to promote student achievement while navigating an entirely E-learning environment in these extraordinary times. You have proven that as a team there is nothing we cannot do.
I will continue to provide timely updates as information becomes available. Have a restful and healthy Break. Inspire on!
