Dear Secondary School Families:
Happy Friday - I hope this update finds you well! We are through the first week of December and focused on the holiday stretch. The roller coaster ride that is the year 2020 is winding down - lots of unexpected twists and turns, but as parents and educators we are constantly learning and improving. Flexibility, strong communication and partnerships between home and school are more important than ever.
A reminder to please keep your child home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness. This includes any situation in which you suspect exposure to COVID. If you let us know, we will work out a plan for your child to connect with their teachers and academics. In other situations during these uncertain times, we are happy to assist with a transition to remote instruction. Our students are resilient and our dedicated staff is doing a remarkable job of juggling in-person, hybrid, and remote instruction - this is literally a brand new playbook! Our goal is the success of your child. By communicating and working together, we can ensure the safety, wellness and achievement of every child. We know first hand that there is a lot on your plates at home as well - we are always here to help!
Carista Week: A big thank you to Ms. Luzinas and the National Honor Society,, Michelle Blake and the Booster Club, the Junior Class and everyone who supported this very special cause. The ribbons, signs, beads, t-shirts, etc.. were a powerful display of unity and support for one of our own! You got this Carista!
Capital Project - Tuesday, December 8: A reminder that the Secondary School will be used as the voting location for the Capital Project proposal. As a result, all students will begin the day at 7:30 am and be dismissed to go home at 11:31. Lunch will still be provided. In-person and remote students will follow this schedule for the day:
https://docs.google.com/docume...
Arts In Education & Social Emotional Learning: The Secondary School is excited to announce that we will have two artists joining us for virtual assemblies with our 6th grade students on Friday, December 11. Mr. Charles Smith will present to students on “Mind, Body and Spirit’ and a ”Ninja Workshop.” These entertaining and educating presentations focus on the development of the mind, body, and spirit for all around success. He will also share how he set a goal of getting on American Ninja Warrior and the steps he used to achieve that goal. By showing the students how he did it, he will model how to set and achieve any goal they may have. The second artist is Mr. James Warren who will perform an interactive magic show called “Magic-Cadabra.” Social-emotional learning continues to be an important part of our programming this year. A big thank you to our Arts department for helping to organize these great opportunities for our students!
Senior “Red Cohort” Days: After several weeks of planning and feedback, we are excited to be able to see our seniors a little more often! Physical space continues to be very limited, but working with our PAC organization we have safely and creatively constructed a plan that allows for some seniors to be in their classes on “Red Cohort” (middle school) days. Students that enrolled attended a mandatory orientation this week - we will kick this off on Thursday, December 10.
New Remote Course!: I am very pleased to announce the addition of another virtual course for our fully remote students. Beginning on Monday, December 14, Remote Studio in Art will be offered at the high school. Ms. Amy Labshere will be the instructor. More information about the course syllabus, Google Classroom access, etc… will be forthcoming next week. Please reach out Ms.Lashere directly if you have any questions (alabshere@brunswickcsd.org).
New Quarterly Awards!: Hopefully you’ve had the chance to check out our brand new quarterly awards. The past few months have been some of the most difficult in education for our students - despite the many changes and challenges, including adapting on the fly to new modes of instruction - they continue to shine. Each quarter, our teams of teachers in grades 6-9 will be recognizing both hybrid and remote students for their effort, citizenship, character, attendance, participation, etc...Check out the very creative award titles our teachers have created (and the incredible poster attached courtesy of Mrs. Perfetti). Congratulations to all of our first quarter recipients! #BengalProud
https://www.brunswickcsd.org/article/360162?org=bcsd
In addition to receiving a certificate from their teachers, each student will be receiving a special award courtesy of our PTSA. Thank you to our PTSA for your support!
Free Tutoring! If your child is in need of additional academic support, RPI students are offering free “virtual” tutoring every Saturday through December 12 and again January 23-May 1. This opportunity is open to all Brunswick students K-12. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Remote Student Attendance: A reminder that remote students need to email Lperfetti@brunswickcsd.org each morning between 7:30 am and 7:45 am for attendance. On Virtual Fridays, check in time is 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Please be sure to include your name and grade in the email. If you are going to be signing in late or signing out early from your remote learning (e.g. doctor appointment), a parent/guardian should email.
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:
Mon. 12/7 = RED Day Tues.12/8 = WHITE DAY Wed. 12/9 = BLUE DAY Thurs. 12/10 RED DAY Fri 12/11 VIRTUAL (7-12)
I hope everyone has a healthy and relaxing weekend! #TamaracStrong
Sincerely,
Ken Rizzo
Principal
Tamarac Secondary School
