Hello Mustangs,
While this message is intended directly for students, I want to share with parents and guardians so they also see what is being sent to their kids. I encourage you to read and watch the video linked.
Through communicating with teachers and seeing updates on classroom activities via Twitter, it would be an understatement to say that I am impressed with the work that you all are doing. We were thrown into an extended e-Learning situation in a matter of moments, but I can’t tell you how proud I am of our entire school community and how it has responded. The teachers are trying to create meaningful activities in new ways, demonstrating learning of their own along the way. You all have adapted and jumped in with both feet. I admire you for your adaptability and your willingness to engage in new ways. Thank you for your efforts throughout the week.
Many students are worried about grades. As we shared earlier, the Illinois State Board of Education has stated that student work completed during the statewide school closure March 17-30 must not affect student grades unless it is to improve those grades. The content that you are working on is important or you wouldn’t be doing it. At some point, you will have to demonstrate your learning of the content in a way that a value is assigned to it. For right now, I encourage you to concentrate on learning. Stay engaged and current with the activities, ask questions if you don’t understand, share your understanding with your classmates, and keep on trying to learn. If your focus is on learning, then when the time comes, the grades will take care of themselves. The same people who are available to assist you during regular days are available during these Continuity of Service Days. Reach out to your teachers, counselors, and other staff when you need them. Our goal is to help you with whatever you need.
Perhaps the hardest part of dealing with the impact of this national health crisis is the amount of things that are unknown. We don’t always know what we are dealing with, and without knowledge, we are left to speculate on “what-ifs?” Though we have little control over the current situation that we are in, you all have control over how you approach this current challenge.
Our Director of Student Activities Ms. Martinez shared this video with me from Jostens; it provided me perspective, and I hope it will do the same for you - students and parents. Before reading the rest of this email, take five minutes to watch it.
I don’t think that it was an accident that we were already planning on observing “Respect Week” this week at South High. As a school, we were planning on focusing on being respectful, inclusive, and unified as we went about this week. Our week changed drastically on Friday and now more than ever, we need to be looking out for each other and being empathetic. We need to try to look past all of the cancellations, closures, and events/activities that we are missing. We need to find the opportunities that are there for us in the midst of the uncertainties. As Mr. Smith said in the video, reach out to a classmate that you might not ordinarily reach out to. Provide a service to someone who needs a helping hand. Keep an open mind so you can recognize when those opportunities present themselves. For me, I found an opportunity to pick up trash. Yes, I get to pick up trash! Like everyone else, my gym is closed, so my workouts have been moved outside. While walking and running, I noticed how much trash was laying around after the winter thaw. So since I am there anyway, I am picking up trash in my neighborhood. It has been provided a gratifying feeling to be reminded that it is me who benefits the most by helping others. I challenge you to face this uncertain situation with a mindset of “what can you do to make the best of the situation for you, or for someone else?”
Our current situation has presented new opportunities at South High. Without anyone in the building, the contractors have been able to work on parts of the Master Facility Project that an occupied building prohibited them from doing. Additionally, our CMG staff has been busy deep-cleaning areas and disinfecting the entire building. These are positive developments that were presented by this uncertain situation. Next week I intend to take everyone on a virtual tour of the new addition. Hopefully it will help to see some of the positive developments at school while you are away. Look for me to share that video at the end of next week.
Thank you again for your efforts this week and for adapting with us through this ever-changing situation. Next week we will be having Continuity of Service Days on Tuesday and Wednesday. Stay current in your studies. Continue to practice social distancing while still remaining social. Wash your hands and make good decisions. Know that we miss you... and have a great weekend.
South High Principal