October 26, 2020
Dear Secondary School Students, Parents and Families:
When I sent my last Friday update, I never expected that we would be in communication again this soon. Unfortunately, some of the events we had planned for the week won’t take place - at least not in the school building, as we pause to focus squarely on the health and safety of our students and staff. The good news is that we just need to stick together and be a little creative (please keep reading for more info)! I am proud of our students and the resiliency they have demonstrated to this point. The class of 2021 is a special group of seniors. In speaking with them, it is abundantly clear to me that our students just want to be school with their friends and teachers. I am also tremendously proud of this staff whose dedication to students and their craft is constantly on display. They continue to amaze me with their professionalism and ingenuity in the classroom every day. Finally, I am proud of our parents and community - many of us here are also parents and we recognize that the strong partnership with school is what will carry us through hard times like these. We need your support more than ever with your child learning home. Please know that we will be flexible and compassionate while still maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning. Our teachers have spent weeks preparing - we are ready for this!
Although we are facing a setback, I am confident that the Tamarac team will continue to adopt a growth mindset and find the best path forward! Here are some are some important updates for students and families for the next few days:
Instructional Plan: Students will continue to follow their regular nine period schedule in a virtual format for the rest of the week (10/27-10/30). Instruction and procedures for fully remote students remain unchanged for the week. Attendance will be taken in homeroom/period 1 at 7:30 am each morning. Period by period attendance will be taken in all classes (except study halls or lunch - these are breaks for students). Please reach out to individual teachers regarding due dates for assignments that would normally be submitted in person.
Friday, October 30: This day is being changed to a regular virtual day of instruction for all students. All students (hybrid and remote) will log in at 7:30 a.m. for homeroom/period 1 attendance. Students will follow their regular nine period bell schedule in the virtual format for the day.
Halloween Spirit: Students and staff are encouraged to dress up for their virtual classes this week - please turn those cameras on!!! The schedule (and guidelines) still remain in place as you participate in all of your virtual classrooms.. Let’s make the best of the situation and have a little spooky fun!
Tuesday, October 27th - Blue Day - 11th/12th Grade
Wednesday, October 28th - Red Day - 7th/8th Grade
Thursday, October 29th - White Day - 9th/10th Grade AND 6th grade.
Revised Weekly Calendar:
Tues.10/27 = VIRTUAL BLUE DAY Wed. 10/28= VIRTUAL RED DAY Thurs 10/29 = VIRTUAL WHITE DAY Fri 10/30= VIRTUAL (Non-color day) 6-12 students
This continues to be a very unpredictable school year, but we will get through it together. Please stay positive, stay healthy and be safe! #TamaracStrong #BengalProud
Sincerely,
Ken Rizzo
Principal
Tamarac Secondary School