The Bird Call
April 14, 2020
Update from CHS
Let me begin by sharing my hope that each of you is well - both physically and mentally - during this extended break from school. As the days of this school closure turn into weeks, and now months, it is of critical importance to stay balanced and set reasonable expectations that will nurture the well-being of your family and yourself.
Last week, Governor Parson's made the announcement than many had expected: schools in Missouri will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Like you, I watched as states across the country took similar actions but I allowed myself to hold on to the idea that we would be back. When it became official last Thursday, I was reminded of the harsh sting that disappointment carries.
My promise to you throughout this has been to remain transparent and I am steadfast in honoring that commitment. While so many issues remain uncertain, I continue to ask for your patience and understanding as we search for and implement our next steps. At the same time, I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions you have. My email address and the steps to connect on Remind as well as a variety of other platforms are at the bottom of this letter. I assure you that there is no question too big or too small right now as long as you grant me the grace of answering with "I don't know" when that is the best answer I have. In time though, I am confident I will have answers to all of your questions.
I am happy to provide you with an update in regards to our plan at the high school for learning opportunities for the remainder of the year. Beginning this week, teachers have been given the option to introduce new content and standards which would have been covered during the last quarter of the school year. With that, there are a handful of non-negotiables which I have put into place:
- These opportunities will remain 100% optional and will be done at the discretion of the student and his/her family.
- These opportunities will only be graded if the resulting score will improve the student's second-semester grade.
- Any student who does not attempt a new learning opportunity or does not earn a score that would improve his/her grade will be exempt from the assignment.
- Students will be allowed to re-attempt these opportunities if they wish to do so, but it will not be required. The score will be recorded if it improves his/her grade.
- These opportunities will cover primarily surface-level information for the purpose of introducing students to the material. An in-depth exploration of the standards and accompanying assignments are strongly discouraged and should only be provided at the student/family's request.
- Plans will be made to assure all learners have equal opportunity for success when the time comes that we are back in session. Choosing not to participate in these new learning opportunities will in no way prevent future success.
With almost a month left in the school year, this decision is made for the purpose of allowing students the opportunity to learn while also providing a chance to improve their second-semester grade.
Further, students will still be allowed to improve on work submitted prior to Spring Break - I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take advantage of these opportunities!
Please continue to connect with our teachers through email, Canvas and Remind. Let us know how you are doing! Also, let us know what you need so that we can do what we can to help. Our staff genuinely cares and that goes far beyond educating our students. We miss you all and look forward to being back in school again soon.
Take care of yourself and one another.
All the best,
Mr. Casey
Email: caseyj@cleverblyejays.org
Remind: text @clever9-12 to 81010
Twitter: @CleverPrincipal
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Facebook: search "Clever High School"