April 27, 2020
Dear Parents:
I hope everyone enjoyed their April break and were able to find some time to relax and unwind.
As we return to remote learning I wanted to make you aware of some things you might find of interest.
First, I am still asking staff to contact students regularly and to partner with parents. Of course, I would like to have all students engaging in the academic work, but I also understand each family is dealing with this pandemic in their own way and may not be engaged in academic work. If you feel your child is not able to engage with the work at this time that is understandable and perfectly fine. Regardless, you should still hear from your child’s teacher at least bi-weekly to touch base.
Secondly, teachers have been asked to identify essential learning in reading, writing, and math for students and their families. These are the assignments teachers expect to be completed. Some teachers will share these assignments daily while others may choose to present them for the week. Regardless, the assignments involving essential learning will be made clear to your child by their teacher. If there is any question as to whether an assignment is essential please reach out to your child’s teacher. The amount of time to complete these assignments should not exceed two hours each day.
Lastly, I wanted to notify you this work is now being graded on a “Pass/Incomplete” basis. “Pass” is defined as a student attempts some of the essential learning in reading, writing, and math. “Incomplete” means a student is unable to attempt any of the essential learning in reading, writing, and math at this time. Students who receive an “Incomplete” will have an opportunity to make up that essential learning either over the summer or this fall.
On behalf of our staff I want to thank everyone, students and parents alike, for all of their efforts during these trying times. I have been able to follow some students on Seesaw and I have heard great stories about other students during my weekly meetings with teachers. Please know your efforts have not gone unnoticed by us.
I miss all of the students immensely. Initially, this pandemic felt a bit like how school is in the summer in the sense there were no students or teachers present in the building. However, over the last month I have come to realize it is much different in that during the summer I at least know I am planning for school to open in late August. At the current moment, I don’t know if I’m planning for school to resume in June, begin in August, or even later. With that said, I truly do hope to see everyone again before year’s end for some closure to this school year if it is deemed safe to do so.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at rwilkins@rsu10.org
Educationally,
Ryan R. Wilkins
Principal
HSES