#SGN...update!SB 4-3-2020

We definitely need good news and I was happy to see actor John Krazinski use his platform to create the #SGN Network to share Some Good News.  If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5pgG1M_h_U&t=86s

Today, Mr. McElhinney and I were able to see some of our wonderful SB students in person which was a crazy treat.  We organized a time for students to come by and pick up their musical instruments left here at school. My apologies to any of the parents hoping that they would not be able to retrieve their instruments while everyone is stuck at home.  Physical distancing was in place and each student had a specific time-slot to limit the number of people in the music room at time. I was thrilled to hear that some of the students have been helping out at home...whether they were telling the truth or not.  One student was happy to tell me about some of the meals he has been preparing at his house...I hope the family is happy, as well. I tried to encourage all of the students to look for ways that they can help out and take some of the burden off of others. It really could be an excellent time to explore some Home Economics skills.

More good news this week came when Mrs. Watson shared with me that the Gr8 students who were originally organizing our Westford in Tune talent show very much want to continue with a virtual event.  If any of our students would like to participate you can get all of the important information here: Virtual Westford in Tune (which is better than Westford virtually in tune). 

As you were informed earlier in the week, we will be shifting to a more cohesive remote learning plan starting next week.  The teachers have been working diligently to create online lessons and curating more resources for all their students. They remain committed to nurturing positive relationships and we will continue to make that the priority.  Many districts rushed to establish accountability and rigorous work while we focused on “Maslow before Bloom” or “Relationships before Rigor” as we know well that if social/emotional concerns are not at the forefront then learning simply can’t take place. 

That being said, as we shift to increasing opportunities for students to engage, remind them to pace themselves.  We do not have any expectations that parents and caregivers are in the position to really become homeschool instructors. The reason everyone is home in the first place adds a great deal of stress and uncertainty.  There will be time when completing an assignment or joining a Google Meet is not possible. There will be time when a teacher is not able to provide quick feedback or reply to an email. We all need to understand that and remain supportive of each other. I have seen this idea trending on social media regarding working remotely and it translates well to our new reality…”we are not (learning and or teaching) from home, we are at home trying to (learn and or teach)”.

Look for the new lessons and opportunities posted through Google Classrooms next week.  It is another beginning indeed.  

I have to remind myself now that it is Friday.

Treat yourself to a weekend,

Chris

Dr. Christopher Chew

Principal

Stony Brook School