Every August, we kick off a new school year with a meeting involving everyone of our staff members. Due to COVID-19, this year’s all-staff meeting looked different, and had to be held virtually. Below is my address to the staff. There is still much light in our world!
Welcome back. Whether at home or in your classrooms, I welcome you back to a new and unique school year.
During a pandemic, it is easy to see the world through darkness. Recently Joe Biden talked about darkness and light. It made me think about how I see the world. I choose to see the world through light …
I see light when a teacher helps a child to understand.
I see light in every box of books we share.
I see light when staff support families in every way possible.
I see light when students honor their teachers.
I see light when parents thank their school staff.
I see light at Homecoming.
I see light at our school musicals.
I see light at the prom.
I see light when staff visit students to check on them.
I see light when our tech team puts together a virtual graduation.
I see light when our OTEE staff work all weekend to process applications.
I see light when our payroll office ensures everyone receives their paycheck.
I see light when coaches stand up for their teams.
I see light when students stand up for themselves.
I see light when a community of black men mentor black youth.
I see light when our staff volunteer in the community.
I see light when staff serve as equity warriors.
I see light when parents advocate for their children.
I see light when musicians practice in the heat and in the cold.
I see light when we do the right thing.
I choose to see light because only light will bring us out of darkness. As we begin our journey in the 2020-2021 school year, I urge you to always see the light.
See the light in your work.
See the light in our students faces.
See the light in your colleagues and those that count on you.
See the light in the future.
As Bob Marley said, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”
As we begin our remote learning plan, we know that not everything will be perfect. We also know that our students are counting on us.
Now more than ever, we must ensure equity for our students. There is no greater time than now for strengthening core instruction based on academic standards. We must continue this focus. We can level the playing field with how we choose to serve our students. We know how much they have lost.
We also know our students are used to technology in their life. Between Twitter and texting, Tik Tok, and You Tube, our students are technology gurus. Let’s use their skills and comfort with technology to enhance their learning.
I know the end of the year was very difficult for everyone. It was especially heartbreaking for our Senior Class of 2020. But every cloud has a silver lining, a light we can reach for.
Remote teaching and learning has provided many opportunities. Now more than ever, you can freely collaborate and tap into the strength of your colleagues. You can write lesson plans together, create new content for the classroom, and learn new things. The time is now to create the future for 21st century teaching.
Yes, some things have changed dramatically, but some things will not change at all, like our commitment to the children of SDoL.
Thank you, and Keep reaching for the light! Have a great new school year.