Dear Parents,
We have finished the fourth week of virtual school at ISB and during that time, we have seen a number of adjustments and improvements to the structures and supports we have put in place to support our students learning and growth during this very unsettling period. It is clear to us the growing importance of maintaining routines and connections with one another during times of stress and uncertainty and virtual school is one way of doing exactly that.
I have been able to join in some of the zoom lessons with your children over the past few weeks and it has been fantastic to see their smiling faces and energy levels (admittedly on screens and not in person). Their teachers are sharing resources, generating discussions, explaining, showing and engaging their classes in a variety of ways during this time. Students are moved to ‘breakout rooms’ for discussion in smaller groups, where teachers can drop in and help small groups and individuals. Our counselors and student services department continues to reach out and support students with both individual learning needs and social and emotional needs.
During this time of virtual school and the necessary and required isolation measures that are in effect, please do be sure to help your children stay connected with friends and their families as best they can. This doesn’t mean encouraging your children to join their friends in a pickup basketball game, but instead reaching out to friends and family they might not have seen for a while for a phone call, a zoom or even a Snapchat message or three. Stay connected.
A resource shared with me today by a wonderful MS teacher who might be related to me is the Action for happiness website which includes a link to an April happiness calendar. Feel free to click here to see that calendar and see the great tips and ideas you can do in April.
Regards
Justin Alexander
HS Principal