As I am writing this, school is about to go “all in.” Hopefully, by the time you read this, everything will be fine.
I have mentioned multiple times that this school year has been, shall we say, deliberate. Deliberate is a very good word. It comes from the word “scale.” (If you are a LIBRA, you knew that.) It means as a verb: to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully, to think about deliberately and often with formal discussion before reaching a decision. It means as an adjective: characterized by or resulting
from careful and thorough consideration; characterized by awareness of the consequences; and slow, unhurried, and steady as though allowing time for decision on each individual action involved. This
year we have had a lot to think about, discuss, weigh and balance.
Anyone on our school board knows this is what happened. We eased into the school year with a bold hybrid approach (that sounds oxymoronic) and although there were some bumps in the road (get used to the bumps) the school year got off well.
We are now ready for the next step. Our school has been outfitted with Plexiglas dividers, the students are required to wear face masks, there are hand sanitizers everywhere and so, the plan is in place.
There are so many people to thank here. First and foremost is our principal, Pam Galluzzo. When the pandemic hit last March her careful leadership guided our school. She has worked relentlessly throughout the summer to insure that our students are safe and that their edu- cation, which has been somewhat disrupted, can continue. Next is our faculty. They are on the front lines of all of this, and they have been amazing. This school year is unlike anything anyone has ever seen. It takes courage, faith and creativity to be a teacher in 2020. Next I would like to thank our school board. They have been through a lot, meeting on line, offer- ing suggestions and insight into this situation. Next, I would like to thank the parents who have been patient and upbeat through it all. No one said parenting would be easy.
And finally, let’s hear it for the children. They are the reason we do all of this. They have been troopers through it all. Every time my energy starts to flag – after all, I am an old man – seeing our students and their enthusiasm for learning and life gives me renewed strength. I know they have their moments (thank God, I never did), but they are awesome!
God Bless and Keep All of You SAFE!