Manners Matter...

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It's hard to believe that we are entering the month of December already and that three months of school have passed. From all of the turbulence that was experienced to start the year in September to all of the unknowns as we move into winter when it comes to dealing with COVID. All members of our school community have gone above and beyond to keep things moving forward and work to get back to an environment where everyone is comfortable. Unfortunately, as we navigate this stressful world that is charged with strong opinions, we have noticed a diminishment in the way in which people treat each other. Adults speaking to adults, students speaking to students, students speaking to adults, and adults speaking to students. Any way you slice it, we have lost sight of the basic principles of manners. If the challenges that we have all faced this year were a reason for that, I could accept the way in which people treat each other at times. However, that is not the case. Despite all of the stress, discomfort, and challenges we face, we should not lose sight of the fact that everyone can be treated with decency. In our schools, teachers and principals have reported an increase in negative interactions between students, specifically with regard to the words that students are using to speak to one another. Our secretaries have also fielded numerous phone calls with folks using vulgar language and speaking at them in a completely inappropriate manner. While everyone understands that people have a right to be upset, mad, angry over any situation; those emotions do not give anyone the privilege to be disrespectful to anyone when voicing a concern or searching for a solution. As we enter the winter, and tempers are sure to be tested with possible changes coming from the State and/or Health Departments, I urge all adults (parents and staff) to think about the way in which they approach a situation so we can get back to a place where we are helping each other, not hurting each other. Also, please take a moment to speak with students about the difference between language that is acceptable in public and private. Regardless of what happens around us with this pandemic, manners are an aspect of life that we can easily address and maintain with a little effort. At this point, treating someone with politeness and respect could be the difference in that person having a mental breakdown or not. Let's defeat this pandemic stress by getting back to a world where manners matter and we support each other.

Stokes Closure - Reminder

As a reminder to an announcement last Friday, Stokes Elementary School will be closed tomorrow, Monday, November 29 due to an emergency water project happening in the town of Lee. We anticipate the project to last only one day and students will return to school on Tuesday. Due to the inability to ensure that all students have the materials that they need and the lack of access to the school for teachers to work, we will not be doing remote learning.

Redistricting Presentation/Conversation

On Monday, November 29 at 6:00 p.m., our current redistricting/restructuring consultants will be engaging the community in conversations regarding their thoughts and concerns related to the way that schools are structured. The event will be held at Strough Middle School and will involve all members of the community that wishes to attend. It will be a combination of presentations about future enrollment projections/needs of the district, some preliminary information about what the consultant is feeling could be a recommendation to the district for restructuring, and an opportunity for round table brainstorming for the community to provide feedback and ideas. We will continue to share information regarding the event as the date nears.

Holiday Assistance

As we move through the holiday season, we all know someone that could use a little support with the holidays or experiences an emergency that requires some assistance. Whether it's related to mental health, living arrangements, or needing gifts for kids, the school district has access to many resources to help families in need. If you are in need yourself or you know of a family that is in need, I encourage you to please contact someone at your child's school (main office, counselor, teacher) or the Connected Community Schools program. Together, we can make sure that everyone has the happiest holiday season p

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