Post date: Mar 29, 2020 5:46:59 PM
March 29, 2020
Dear Beloved Students,
These are unprecedented times we are living in, or so I keep hearing. Everyone around me, all the news, all the opinions, all the noise would have us believe the world has never seen such times as these before. As a history teacher, I know this is not completely true. The world has definitely seen its fair share of crises, pandemics, economic fall outs, and chaos. What is unprecedented about THIS is how lucky we all are to have never truly known experiences like these. This is new for US, but it is not new. I find myself thinking a lot about both the best and the worst parts of humanity and how pronounced those become in times like these. We see the ugly, the bad, the selfish, the anxiety, the fear, the uncertainty......but we also see the compassion, the listening, the uplifting. And amidst all of this each of us, as individuals, has a choice to make. Will we let this bring out our best or our worst qualities? Will we take advantage of the opportunities in front of us to learn more, live better, and think more deeply? Or will we take for granted this break from normal to not do much of anything?
How interesting it is that the easier choice is to be selfish, disengaged, and blissfully ignorant. The harder, but better choice, though is to engage, to connect, and to better yourselves and the world around you. I invite all of you to make the harder choice along with me. History has taught us much, but perhaps the most prominent lesson lies in the continued proof that humanity can evolve to be something better if only we work together to help it.
So, Distance Learning is happening starting this Tuesday. We will need to create a new normal and it will not be easy for me to hold you accountable for learning. I ask for each of you to find value in this process, communicate openly and honestly with me, and to CARE about your learning. I promise to not assign you anything I do not feel is valuable to you. I also promise to try to meet you where you are at as learners (but much of this will need to be taken on independently). I DO find value in understanding our history and the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond offer some pretty important lessons about what we've struggled with and where we've come as a country. I am also hoping to work closely with Mrs. Jones so this begins to feel like just one class and English and History you have to manage.
In the meantime, here are some quotes to hopefully help keep you motivated. Feel free to reach out to me via text (925 285 5227) or email should you need anything or have any questions.
In the middle of every difficulty lies an opportunity - Albert Einstein
The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are. - Maya Angelou
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. - Marcus Garvey
We are not makers of history. We are made by history. - Martin Luther King, Jr
Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be. - Grandma Moses
Stay well and find comfort where you can,
Hembree