From the Principal
Family,
I know that with all that is going on, and with so many questions we all have, it seems like it has been forever since my last communication with you all. I feel the same way. And can I say that I do miss you all? Well I’m saying it. Deal with it.
To be honest with you, I don’t have a great deal of news for you. The latest information I have has come from the Superintendent’s message which can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-supt-messages. I hope that you were able to take some time to listen to Dr. Brabrand’s Facebook Live conversation. I know that he was not able to provide a lot of definitive answers to questions that were posed in the chat line, but I would like to double down on what he has shared around the work that is being done to prepare us for what is next. Leadership, in concert with principals and other support staff are meeting multiple times daily to develop the plans to allow schools to get back to teaching students. All the while, they are also having to take into account concerns around the mental and physical health and safety of all students and staff during this crisis.
I understand the angst that you may be going through concerning what instruction will look like and when will it begin. I too have teenagers in the house and I am eager for them to get started sooner than later as well. The district is doing its best to get it right as best we can the first time. I have given the directive to our teachers to ensure that during this time, that they are to be working with their colleagues to prepare for being able to provide specific classroom instruction in an online format when we push the GO button on this thing. They are all very anxious to move forward, but for some, this is as scary as it is for your children, and we have to make sure South County, as well as all other schools are prepared to go when it is time. So as much as it pains me to say this, please be patient with us and the system as a whole. A system as big as ours needs time to turn. Just know that we will always work to do the best for all students; and in these uncharted waters, we are turning as fast as we can while still trying to maintain the integrity of a world class educational system.
I am holding meetings virtually with the rest of the admin team and the faculty to touch base with them to provide them with all the “That’s a good question…. We will have to look into that….. and, I really don’t know….” answers I have. But at least we don’t know together! So there’s a positive. In all honesty, we are still working and getting ready. We are encouraging that they reach out to their students, and I am encouraging your children to feel comfortable to reach out to their teachers. If it is only to say hello and to let them know they are okay, that is a healthy choice. It will make the day of their teachers as well.
As we continue along this unfortunate journey, please know that we all have a part to play in this. Your responsibilities around social distancing are immense and I need you to share that with your children. If we are to beat this virus, we must as a community commit to practicing the health and safety protocols defined by the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. This is the only way that we can win is if we all take this very seriously. As much as we are having to normally discourage teen screen time, social time through the screen may be the best way for them to communicate with their peers right now. Or encourage them to use the darn phone the way it was initially intended to be used!
For those of you who have been in contact with me, I want to just say thank you for your continued support. I am with you in this and we will get through this together. We need to move at the speed we can do so safely. I will do my best to keep you informed with the latest information available. Know that I have heard your questions around the online learning start dates, 3rd Quarter grades, reimbursements, field trips, spring sports, SOL’s, AP exams, graduation and whatever else is in that kitchen sink. When I get it, you will get it. Trust me. If you hear of something that would be beneficial to our community, please feel free to let me know. I need some good news too. Until we have the chance to chat again, please take care of each other (from a distance) and stay well. #MissYou and #OneStallion
Gary
Yearbook Sales
The yearbook is still being produced and will be available at the end of the year. However, due to school being out, we are extending online sales until school resumes. This means that we still have books available for sale. Also- senior parents- you can still buy senior ads for your students until the end of March. Most parents include meaningful pictures throughout their grad’s life and a special note.
With so much being cancelled, we hope the yearbook will bring some comfort in helping students remember this year as a whole.
Books and ads available at www.yearbookforever.com”
Mental Health Resources | 24/7 Emergency Numbers
If you are in crisis, text NEEDHELP to 85511, call 1-800-273-TALK, or dial 911; TTY dial 711
CrisisLink Regional Hotline: 703-527-4077 (CrisisLink is a hotline for individuals in crisis or family/friends seeking guidance for how to help a loved one)
Dominion Hospital Assessment and Referral Line: 703-536-2000
Inova Emergency Services: 703-289-7560
Mobile Crisis Unit: 1-844-627-4747
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE
|
