Dear Families,
We are excited to welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year!
Since schools were abruptly closed last March, and throughout the summer, we knew that this school year would be different. Students will be learning in classrooms, some remotely, and some will experience both. We all will be wearing masks in our schools, classrooms and offices while we also adhere to social distancing guidelines. We are acutely aware that many students will start school this month with learning gaps and needing additional social and emotional support.
We are ready.
The start of this school year will not be perfect. We appreciate your patience, support and understanding as we all adjust, adapt and overcome various hurdles that we have never confronted before and hope we never confront again.
As you know, we adopted a phased-in approach this September. During the month, schools will communicate dates and times for orientation activities, as well as opportunities for students to visit their schools to pick up classroom materials or engage in "meet-and-greets" with their teachers.
Additionally, throughout the month, we will be focusing on new safety procedures and systems, as well as the social and emotional well-being of all students. This has become our new normal, and we need to devote time and attention to these areas. This is necessary work.
I would like to thank our entire administrative team and staff for demonstrating poise and grace during these turbulent times. We have had to make a number of necessary changes to ensure all students are safely educated. I recognize that some of these changes were abrupt and challenging to implement; however, they were 100% necessary, in light of our current reality.
In just a number of weeks, we have had to develop various modes of schooling that would have normally taken months - if not years - to successfully accomplish. We created schedules to ensure all students receive their mandated services; that AP and college-level courses are offered; that students continue to benefit from a wide range of elective courses; and that students and families are provided with choices as to whether they come to school or elect for a full remote experience.
As we inch closer toward our Sept. 29 full, in-school opening, we look forward to providing you with more information on new protocols and systems designed to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Lastly, let’s remember to remain patient and kind during this temporary situation. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we begin this school year under unprecedented circumstances. Together we are #SailorStrong.
Regards,
Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent
