Dear Secondary School Families:
Happy Friday! The midpoint of January is here. We’ve been slogging through and the second marking period is nearing its conclusion in a week. Remote and hybrid learning presents enormous challenges for some students, particularly in regards to attendance and achievement. We need your continued support at home to overcome these barriers - structure, including good homework and bedtime routines, boundaries on electronics usage, etc...are always beneficial for adolescents. I ask that you continue to monitor your child’s progress and encourage them to reach out to their teachers if they are behind. The tutoring program offered through RPI is an outstanding opportunity to consider. It is free and open to all Brunswick students K-12. The link found in this update contains additional information for anyone interested. Also, a final reminder that today is the last opportunity to transition to in-person learning for the start of quarter three. The next window will be in April. We recognize that there are serious health and safety concerns for parents to think about before sending your child into the building. As a parent myself, I share the weight of making this decision for my 4, 7, 9 and 13 year old. Each family's situation is unique, but please consider the hybrid model if fully remote is not working. Learning through a computer screen is certainly not for every child - waiting until the fourth quarter to make a switch may be too much for some students to overcome. We want to ensure that your son or daughter obtains the skills and credits needed for advancement.
I am cautiously optimistic about what this summer will look like - we certainly want it to be a relaxing, stress free break from school. Hopefully we are back to gathering together and celebrating proms, graduations, weddings, etc...One day at a time. Remember we are off on Monday to honor MLK. Be safe and have a great long weekend.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands in moments of challenge and controversy.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Principal’s Advisory Committee Holiday Fundraiser Results: Along with passing along several boxes of much needed supplies, we were able to raise $200 for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and the Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Rehabilitation Center. Thank you to all of the students and staff that supported our hat day fundraiser and donation drive! Please enjoy the photos that are attached.
PTSA SOUPer Bowl!: Please consider supporting this great cause that ultimately helps our students! The PTSA is proud to announce the 4th annual SOUPer Bowl. They would like to buy each teacher/staff lunch if they can reach their fundraising goal. Every staff member that gets sponsored will receive lunch from B-Rad’s Bistro.
All information can be found here: https://brunswick.memberhub.store/store/items/665259
Free Tutoring is Back! If your child is in need of additional academic support, RPI students are offering free “virtual” tutoring every Saturday from January 23-May 1. This opportunity is open to all Brunswick students K-12. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Health/Wellness: **IMPORTANT** Please be sure to complete the daily screening survey before sending your child to school each morning. Your child should be kept home if they are experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID. If your child’s symptoms are improving AND they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine, they may return to school with a note from their doctor with an alternate diagnosis clearing them to return to school OR a copy of their negative COVID test result. We appreciate your help in keeping our school safe for everyone!
Weekly Calendar:
Monday 1/18: MLK Day (No School) Tuesday 1/19: BLUE COHORT
Wednesday 1/20: RED COHORT Thursday 1/21: WHITE COHORT
Friday 1/22: BLUE COHORT
Stay warm and be well! #TamaracStrong
Sincerely,
Ken Rizzo
Principal
Tamarac Secondary School
