Dear Secondary School Families:
“She says, we’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love
We’ll give it a shot
Woah, we’re halfway there
Woah, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Woah, livin’ on a prayer”
So, I wanted to mix things up a little bit this week and share a verse from Bon Jovi’s single Livin on a Prayer. The song immediately came to mind as I started reflecting on this important mile marker in the 2020-2021 school year - the halfway point! We definitely have got each other and there is not doubt in my mind that the arrow will be pointing up when we make it to the finish line. At the current time, our staff is focused on finalizing grades for quarter two. Report cards will be available on the portal around noon on Friday, January 29. Please take some time to carefully review your child’s progress together. Also, please check the parent portal for your son or daughter’s new schedule. A hard copy will also be made available for student pickup outside of the guidance office from 7:25 am 7:45am on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this next week.
I am attaching a short article that includes strategies that we as parents can take to promote success in school. Although the article specifies high school, these certainly apply to all adolescents, high school and middle school included. Thank you for your continued support!
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-teens.html
Free Tutoring Reminder: 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 1/25: RED COHORT Tuesday 1/26: WHITE COHORT Wednesday 1/27: BLUE COHORT Thursday 1/28: RED COHORT Friday 1/29: VIRTUAL DAY (7-12)
I thought I’d conclude this week with a peek into Mrs. Ann Kolakowski’s 8th grade music class. I recently had the pleasure of visiting her classroom and watching the students perform Jingle Bell Rock as a culminating activity for their Rock Band unit.. The group has also been learning how to play music by the Beatles. This experience provided me with an even greater appreciation for our students' talents and how hard our staff is working to provide meaningful instruction while following all safety and health protocols.
It was inevitable, the cold weather seems to have finally arrived. Bundle up and be well! #TamaracStrong
Sincerely,
Ken Rizzo
Principal, Tamarac Secondary School