I am still trying to find the words to perfectly encapsulate my feelings regarding the events of the last month or so. I tend to move from pride, frustration, exhaustion, empathy, and excitement depending on the most recent update from AZCentral :) These last couple of weeks have been truly unprecendented/historic, and I am sure that I am not the only one that has cycled through these emotions.

Regardless of where you stand, moving forward, it's my focus to restore relationships and a sense of community. At Settler's Point, we pride ourselves in our "family-like" atmosphere, and it's essential that these walkouts don't disrupt it. Now more than ever, it's essential to band together in solidarity, as we welcome back our 683 students. Again, whether you agreed with the walkout or not, it's not my business. The fact of the matter is, our relationship/trust with the community has been fractured. While many community members supported us, my email/social media feed show that we also impacted our relationships by inconveniencing our community. Can we earn this back? Sure. Could some students come in with some tough questions tomorrow? Definitely. Are we going to lose students? I don't know. Are all parents going to be happy to see us tomorrow? I don't know. What I do know is that we are stronger and better when we are together. We can't go back, but to move forward we need to be united and unwavering in our support of each other.

Notes to consider for the upcoming weeks:

• Treat the time off as an additional Spring Break when planning. To ensure a successful 15 day end to the school year, take some time on Thursday to reconnect with every student. Review your rules and expectations for behavior. Let your students know that we are still expecting learning to take place and we are going to finish the year on a strong note.
• Please ensure that the walkout does not impact our kids. If you usually do a large project at the end of the year, it might need to be shortened. We are going to be "under a microscope" and if parents feel that their student is getting more work/homework to make up for missed time, we are going to hear about it.
• I anticipate the last 15 days being extremely busy for the front office staff, as many of our deadlines have not been altered. If student discipline can be addressed by contacting a parent, sending them to a "buddy class" or having them miss lunch, I am empowering you to do so :) If you are "in doubt" call the office but I might have them tell you "teacher consequence." Thanks in advance for your understanding
• We have 15 days left with students. What started as a marathon, has turned into a 100 meter sprint. I am anticipating stress to be high in the coming days. Breathe, and we will get through it together. Don't forget to find humor in things, that's how I personally like to cope with stress :) Be flexible, as some things have not been added to the schedule (like a daytime performance for band/strings concert). These will be scheduled to minimize disruption to instructional time, but putting things on the master calendar usually has consequences.

I appreciate each and every one of you and have missed seeing you over the last few days. Thanks for all you do on a daily basis. We got this, so bring on the kiddos!

Robert

• 5/3: Settler's Point "Welcome In" and Spirit Day' Start of Staff Appreciation Week; staff meeting 3:30-4:00 certified should plan on attending, support staff may attend but it's not mandatory
• 5/4: Settler's Point "Welcome In" and Spirit Day; lunch provided by PTSO in the band room
• 5/5: Dad's Club Golf Tournament at Western Skies @ 8:00-11:00
• 5/7: Leadership Team Meeting @ 7:30; Kindergarten Puppet performance @ 1:30
• 5/9: National School Nurse Day; 6th grade leaves for Science Camp; 2:15 Release-PLC
• 5/11: Last Day for Art; 6th grade returns from Science Camp; Yearbook Signing Party 1:00 for 3-6 and 2:00 for K-2; Benefits Open Enrollment Closes
• 5/15: Dandy Lion Lunch from 11:30-1:00; PTSO Elections 3:30
• 5/16: ALP Field Trip 9:30-1:00; 2:15 Release-Site PD-Shane will be in attendance
• 5/17: Last day of Library; Pilates with Tammy @ 3:30; Strings Concert @ 6:00; Band Concert @ 7:00
• 5/18: Kids Take over the School Day; 6th grade activity 1:00-3:00
• 5/21: Academic Night Practice 10-11; Academic Night 5:30-6:30
• 5/22: Last day for Music, Band, PE, Strings; 6th grade promotion 2:00
• 5/23: Last day for students; 12:15 release