April Principal Update
By: John Burkholder
When I lived in California I had the opportunity to climb to the top of Mt. Whitney. It was not a technical climb, but was certainly an exhausting journey that had us camping a couple of nights at 10,000 feet and traversing some treacherous terrain. I remember running stairs to get in shape for the climb, and also doing some research on breathing techniques that help at altitude. It was a beautiful sunny day when we arrived at the summit, with wonderful views of two far away valleys. We then turned and headed back down the mountain, a portion of the trip for which I was not prepared. My legs were wobbly at times and while I had gravity on my side, getting back to camp took all I had to give.
Our school year has felt a bit like that Mt. Whitney climb. When we returned to school in September we all felt the exhilaration and excitement of being fully back together for a year of in-person schooling. Each new activity that we added back to the school year like band concerts, ACT day, and growing numbers of students eating together in the cafeteria, were all signs that we were finally returning to a greater sense of normal. But a year of online learning, while perhaps keeping your child on course with regard to their learning, didn't really help with the stamina that a full year back on our campus demands. It seems that some of our students are struggling with the hike back down the mountain toward our last day of school on June 9.
As we travel these last nine weeks of school, I encourage you to check in often with your children. Ask them how they are doing, where their successes are and about the challenges they may be facing. If you see some new behaviors that are uncharacteristic of your child like missing assignments or a low score on an assignment, understand that their legs may be a bit wobbly. Practice some altitude breathing and perhaps talk with your child over a bowl of ice cream or popcorn. Remind them that they have gravity on their side, and together we will all make it to June 9.
