Signs of the Times
March 20, 2020
"We gave educators almost no notice. We asked them to completely redesign what school looks like and in about 24 hours local administrators and teachers "Apollo 13'ed" the problem and fixed it. Kids learning, children being fed, needs being met in the midst of a global crisis. No state agency did this, no so-called national experts on curriculum. The local educators fixed it in hours. HOURS.
In fact, existing state and federal policies actually created multiple roadblocks. Local schools figured out how to do it around those too. No complaining and no handwringing - just solutions and amazingly clever plans.
Remember that the next time someone tries to convince you that schools are better run by mandates from non-educators. Remember that the next time someone tells you that teachers have it easy or try to persuade you that educators are not among the smartest, most ingenious people in society. And please never say to me again, "Those who can't do anything else just go into teaching."
Get out of the way of a teacher and watch with amazement at what really happens."
Update on School Events
All SPARX Events
All concerts through 4/12
All PTSA events until 4/12
All County Musical Festival
Thomas' Music Man (postponed to later in the year)
State Hockey Final Four
State Bowling Tournament
Community Arts Day- postponed from April 18th to a date to be determined.
Thomas Junior Prom- I worked with the class advisors this week to look at a later date for this event. It was scheduled for May 2nd and I have a feeling that date will be a problem for a gathering of 400 students. We were able to switch to Friday, June 12th at Casa Larga!! We were very fortunate to have this date still available and we jumped on it. Thank you to Mrs. Jurs and Mrs.Zimmerman for working quickly on this.
We are in a wait and see on other May including a series of Honor Society Inductions and Award Ceremonies. My fingers are crossed for the Senior Ball (5/30/20) and the Senior Trip (6/5/20-6/7/20).
Just prior to our school closure, we had several meetings (Including Senior Trip) where checks and money were collected. Please note that those deposits will not be made until the school reopens and we are able to get into the vault.
Hey Seniors!! Here is a message from your class advisors!
Dear Class of 2020,
We wanted to take a moment to let you know that we are thinking of you and hope that you and your families are staying healthy and safe. We really miss seeing you at school.
We can only begin to imagine what this must feel like during the last few months of your high school experience. It can’t be easy to be away from school, sports, clubs, friends, teachers (the ones you like and maybe even the ones you don’t).
We are sure that you have many questions and concerns about how the school closure will impact senior events. At this time, we are NOT cancelling or rescheduling any of our events. And while we don’t have many answers, what we can promise is that we (and Mr. Widor) are committed to making sure you have the best ending to your year as possible.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything. We will be sure to provide updates as we receive them. Be sure to join our Google Classroom (dvfntf2) and sign up for Remind messages (text @b34ga to 81010).
Take care,
Schotty and Sidoti
Your teachers miss you and are thinking of ways to keep you engaged and moving forward!
An Update from Mr. Gumina
March 19, 2020
10:00 a.m.
Dear Webster CSD Parents/Guardians,
I wanted to check in with our families to let you know that I am thinking of you during this unprecedented time in our community, state, and nation. Following are a few brief reminders and resources from your district:
All district families will receive a letter from your building principal today or tomorrow with information about home-school connections, activities, and resources. Please remember that our staff and families no longer have access to any school or district building as all schools are closed until further notice.
Additional student and family mental health resources have been added to our district’s Coronavirus Info webpage. There is also a flyer from the YMCA following this letter with information regarding emergency child care, should you need it. This is especially helpful for all first responders who are caring for people in our community (please scroll down to page two for the UPDATED YMCA flyer, as some sites needed to be consolidated).
Webster CSD Food Service is now serving free, drive thru style meals weekdays, 8:00-10:00 a.m., at the back gym entrance of Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster. Families receive breakfast and lunch at the same time for any student living in Webster CSD, including UPK students. Families stay in their cars & staff hand meals to you. Children do NOT need to be present. You only need to give the name(s) of the student(s).
Lastly, please remember to stress the importance of social distancing with your children as a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our community: avoid mass gatherings, try to stay in groups of 10 or less, and stay at least six feet away from others. Continue to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and to practice good respiratory etiquette.
Thank you for continuing to work together to keep our One Webster community safe and healthy. #WeWillGetThroughThis #WashYourHands.
Sincerely,
Carmen Gumina
Superintendent of Schools
Here are some tips from our Mental Health Professionals on how to deal with social distancing
Develop a daily routine
Get creative, stay active, get outside
Reach out to friends and loved ones, check on a neighbor
Avoid social media/news overload
Learning is different during this time but try to stay academically connected in some capacity
Reflect... draw, write, journal, music, yoga, read, etc..
Reach out to your counselor, teachers, administrators with questions/concerns
If you have concerns regarding your child's mental health you can email the assistant principal. school counselor, and mental health staff (if you child has one). You can also call Lifeline at (585) 275-5151 or Mobile Crisis at (585) 529-3721. If you feel the matter is critical call 911.
Here is a link to the school's Student Center website:
...and their latest newsletter update
If you need guidance on how to talk to your children about COVID19 here are some helpful tips:
Updates from the classrooms
Parents please remind your student to check their school email daily. Teachers are updating agendas and work in the Google Classroom in some cases on a daily basis.
If you do not have internet Charter/Spectrum is giving free internet for 60 days to students:
Home with kids that are bored?
The Great Quarantine Art Adventure would like to invite you and your family and friends to join us in completing daily creative challenges for all ages and ability levels. The premise is simple, each day we release a prompt and where you take it from there is up to you! Connect with hundreds of local students, parents and artists from all over Rochester as certified art teachers from area districts provide mental stimulation and inspiration for you to create with. Check us out on:
Instagram @GreatQuarantineArtAdventure
Twitter @Quarantine_Art_
Follow us, and make sure to use the hashtag #TGQAA to tag us in your creative journey! Pass it on!
Join Mrs. Simmons her daily 10,000 step challenge..
Keep Active with the Thomas PE Teachers...
Bonjour from Mrs. Jurs' Classes!
Mrs. Jurs would love her French students and parents/guardians to join her Remind. The section codes are below (text this the appropriate code below to 81010).
Lille (French 5): @cac89h
Nice (AP French): @7489e6h
Bordeaux (French 3): @9a4d83g
Strasbourg (French 4): @7969k6
Rennes (French 4): @e6gag98
Merci!!
From the Ms. Warren in the Media Center...
From the Thomas Earth Club...
Update on Coronavirus as Related to Athletics
As we know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of our lives. The focus in this time is on your own individual health and the health of those closest to you.
The NYSPHSAA staff is working remotely for the time being. We are always available via office phone, cell phone and email to answer questions or help in any way.
Because of Coronavirus outbreak it was necessary to indefinitely postpone four NYSPHSAA Winter Championship events. The Ice Hockey Championships, Bowling Championships, Boys and Girls Basketball Championships.
NYSPHSAA will be providing an update on those postponed events on Monday, March 23.
There have been numerous questions about this situation and how it pertains to current student-athletes and the spring sports season as well.
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) will continue to rely upon information from the New York State Department of Health, local health departments as well as the Governor’s office for information and guidance on COVID-19 and its impact upon interscholastic athletics.
At this time, NYSPHSAA would like to provide clarification and interpretation on its position pertaining to indefinitely postponing its remaining Winter Championships (Ice Hockey, Bowling, Boys and Girls Basketball). The following information is being provided to answer the many questions and address concerns related to interscholastic athletics in New York State at this time.
How does NYSPHSAA define “Indefinitely Postponed”?
Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director, will continue to evaluate the situation and do his best to determine the future of winter championships as soon as possible with input from the membership and Executive Committee. Dr. Zayas is cautiously optimistic the winter state championships will be conducted for our student-athletes. If and when winter state championships are able to resume, teams will be provided ample time to practice and prepare.
Stay safe, wash your hands and stay home!!
Thomas Principal