Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Update
May 11, 2021
BIG FACTS...NO CAP!
Many questions will linger at the close of this most exasperating school year; inquiries about masks, vaccinations, social distancing, etc. But the most pressing examination having great bearing on tomorrow is, DID YOU GROW? Ultimately, this is what matters most. Many hide from this type of self-reflection; it's scary but we can't be pressed forever.
- What have you learned that will help you navigate the world?
- Have your problem solving skills improved?
- How are you more equipped to make a positive contribution to your community?
- What have you done to take more ownership of your future?
The media somewhat controls our social narrative. It shapes much of society to a degree. Think about the role of entertainment and music in your life; is it significant? Does it inspire quality character? How about your acquaintances? Do you feel good about the people with whom you hang or is your integrity put aside so you can fit in? We've all been there, but what's important is that we don't stay there.
Adverse life experiences, tragedy, and heartache also play a part in how we develop as community members. That pain can slow our growth and hold us back if we're expecting a miracle solution. GIRD UP! You have the strength within you to move beyond where you are right now. I felt ZERO hope as a child and teenager. I'm thankful someone encouraged me to see beyond the ugly and see myself as a 20-30-40-50 year old and beyond.
Again I ask, Have you grown during this pandemic?
Important Details
Students will be dismissed at 12:20 PM on Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28. The final day for Life students will be Wednesday, May 26; they will be dismissed at 12:20 PM. Please ensure that all outstanding fees are addressed as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Records
Please forward a copy of your student's Covid-19 Vaccination Card to the school nurse. The nurse will add it to Infinite Campus. Vaccination isn't mandatory for school, but having up to date records will help with contact tracing moving forward. We're aware that several of our students have received the vaccine but we don't have copies of the vaccination cards. We appreciate your help with this.
Block Schedule
The Specialized Schools will officially move forward with a block schedule format for the first semester of 2021-2022. We’ll reevaluate at the semester. Please note that in no way does this decision commit our programming to a long term block schedule solution.
We are pursuing additional professional development to ensure best practices for block instruction. Scheduled movement breaks will be encouraged to keep students engaged. Although homework loads should be lighter, students can plan on reviewing notes on "off" days to maintain continuity with their learning.
Valency
We honored 24 students at our annual Student Recognition Breakfast on May 7th. Students from The Academy, Early College Center, Life, Newcomer Center and Vanguard were applauded for their positive contribution in the area of social emotional excellence. We have a number of individuals who have demonstrated growth throughout the course of the school year. These students choose kindness over hatred, responsibility over apathy, effort over complacency. All students have the ability to be an excellent student. Excellence is NOT being the best; it is doing your best.
Student Vaccinations
D214 is partnering with Passport Health to offer vaccinations for students. Please click HERE sign up and register for your appointment. Click on your home school logo and follow the instructions. Please be sure to register by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12.
Here a few important reminders:
The clinics are for D214 students only (16 and older on the vaccination date)
Students do NOT need insurance for the vaccine - for families that have insurance, we ask that you enter the information during the registration process
Transportation will be provided from the home school to the vaccination location (please be sure to indicate during the registration process in the designated field)
Wheeling High School will host on May 18 for Wheeling, Buffalo Grove and Hersey students
Prospect High School will host on May 19 for Prospect, Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows students
Very important - the consent form must be completed by a parent/guardian or no vaccine will be administered
Passport Health medical professionals will be onsite to administer the vaccine. District 214 staff will be assisting with the logistics of the event, including our Health Services Supervisor. We look forward to assisting our students with this important step in fighting this pandemic. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Melissa Sawadski, Health Services Supervisor at melissa.sawadski@d214.org or Chris Uhle, Director of Administrative Services at chris.uhle@d214.org
The Class of 2021
Graduation for The Academy will be held on Tuesday, May 18th at 10:00 AM. The Vanguard graduation will begin at 1:00 PM. Both ceremonies will be held in the large courtyard at the Forest View Educational Center located at 2121 South Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights. Please plan to park in the front parking lot and enter Door #1 or #2. Graduates will be allotted four tickets per family to ensure we maintain appropriate social distancing guidelines. We plan to live stream for graduates who are unable to attend in person. Families will receive the link to view prior to the event.
Mr. Keir Rogers
Email: keir.rogers@d214.org
Website: https://www.d214.org/district-departments/specialized-learning-programs/
Location: 2121 S Goebbert Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA
Phone: (847)718-7888
Twitter: @mrrogersnhood