Transitioning to Remote Learning
Greetings South High students and families,
I hope that this message finds you all healthy and managing these unprecedented times as best you can. I certainly miss seeing our staff and students on a daily basis, but I understand that by staying apart, we are contributing to the overall good of our society.
Last Friday Dr. Thiele, District 99 Superintendent, shared the district’s Remote Learning Plan that begins this Wednesday (tomorrow). If you haven’t already done so, be sure to read this document carefully so that you can do your part in making remote learning a success. The document also includes important information about meal pick-up for this week. You can find that information and all of the past communication from our school and district on our website here.
I have recorded a video where I expand on some of the key points of our Remote Learning Plan and also share expectations for moving forward. While I have sent video messages before, this one is especially important as we transition to Remote Learning. I strongly encourage everyone to take the time to watch the video.
For those not inclined to watch the video, a less detailed summary follows:
I need to stress to you that Remote Learning is not an eLearning day The month of April does not represent a snow day. Unfortunately, this is school for at least the next month. Parents - we need to show our students the strength of our partnership. We need you to help get them out of bed and engaged in their school work.
Many things will stay the same as before we stopped meeting face-to-face:
- You will be expected to participate fully - every day!
- We will take attendance every day. Monday through Thursday - students must check in on an attendance form that will be emailed to you each day. Friday - teachers will mark your attendance based on how well you engaged in the lessons and activities during the week.
- The same behavioral expectations that we have of you in the building will be expected in this virtual environment. Exhibiting the Mustang Way transfers to every situation in which you find yourself.
Students should spend their time focusing on learning. We are spending too much time worrying about grades. One of the things that I heard during the two weeks prior to spring break was that some students were not too concerned about engaging in school because the governor said that their grade could not go down. We expect learning to continue. I assure you that IF you give your best effort in all of your classes and concentrate on learning, your grade will not end up lower than it was at the time (when all of the assignments given) before you left on March 13 were recorded.
- Your teachers will continue to grade as they always have - albeit it will likely be based on different methods.
- If you do as well as you should or could, you will get the grade that you earn.
- If you choose not to engage in the lesson and/or do not demonstrate learning, you will receive an Incomplete grade until you do demonstrate learning.
- Some of you did not have the grade you desired in March. You have an opportunity now to continue to demonstrate learning and raise that grade.
You have heard me say it many times, focus on learning and the grade will take care of itself.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the many cancellations that we are experiencing. Spring sports have come to a halt. The One-Acts, the musical, the Mustang Trot, concerts, recitals, talent shows, induction ceremonies, assemblies, clubs, activities have all experienced cancellations. Seniors especially are feeling anxious about senior activities like prom and graduation. Please know that I believe that the entire high school experience is what makes our school great. We have a diverse student body and a wide variety of activities, sports, and interests that add to what makes our school special. We will continue to look at all possibilities in trying to make sure that some of these key events still happen. One thing that has proven certain about this situation is the uncertainty around it. We will continue to make decisions that take into account all of the information that we have, while ensuring that our staff and students are all kept safe.
Even though we can’t all be together in person, we are still pretty fortunate that we can be together through the internet. More importantly, we are together in the spirit of community that is South High. I am missing everyone terribly, but I believe in our families and the trust that they have in our school. I believe in our staff. Over the past three weeks, they have proven to be models of what learning looks like. They were not all prepared to teach in an online environment, but they are doing everything possible to adjust because of their care for you. And I - WE - every staff member, believes in you. You have been dealt a challenging set of circumstances, but you can do it….and when you need help, we have the people here ready to stand alongside you and figure it out.
If we all give our best effort, that will be good enough. We are here if you need anything...just let us know. Stay well and I will reach out again soon.
All my best,
Mr. Schwartz