“Blame has an inverse relationship with accountability. Accountability by definition is a vulnerable process...Blaming is one of the reasons we miss our opportunities for empathy.” -Brené Brown

December 18, 2020

It’s hard to believe that we are at the end of our last full week of school before the December break. This week was another time for transition as we shifted back to in-person teaching and learning. Students and teachers did a fantastic job switching back to our hybrid schedule and everyone was excited to be back together again. The energy has been high and positivity is definitely in the air. We are preparing for the much needed December break as well as our Winter Carnival next week. Student leadership has been working diligently to plan fun activities, friendly competitions, and just celebrating each other and winter. Students will attend all of their classes on Monday and Tuesday but will finish early to participate in Winter Carnival events. We will be hosting activities inside and outside. We are excited to have snow on the ground to provide more fun events. We would like to have students bring outdoor snow gear to school next week so they are prepared for fun in the snow. We are looking forward to ending our month of December with joy and school spirit.

As a reminder, next Wednesday, December 23 is a remote school day. Students are expected to attend their advisory meeting starting at 9:15. The rest of the day will be dedicated to office hours with teachers. We encourage students to check in with their teachers to ensure they have all their assignments complete and are in a good place with their classes before the break.

We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and relaxing December break. We will be excited to see everyone back on Monday, January 4th for in-person learning.

Snow Days will be School Days:

As the colder weather approaches and we already saw snow this week, we need to plan for the possibility of school closings due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. In the event we need to call for a snow day, we have developed a remote learning plan so that students can continue with their coursework. When we have a snow day, we will follow our current schedule . For example, if we need to call a snow day on a Tuesday, the students that were scheduled for in-person will have their classes remotely via Google Meet. Students who were already scheduled for a remote day will continue with the plan that was outlined by their teachers for remote learning.

Technology News:

Schoology: The Parent View in Schoology presentation is designed to help families understand and navigate Schoology.

Family Resources:

Wondering how to support your student in a year of hybrid learning? Join the SMHS School Counseling team on Tuesday, December 15th, at 9:00 A.M. for a virtual conversation on supporting students in a hybrid year. The topics that will be covered are:

• Build a Schedule/ Set a Routine

• Designate a Spot for Learning

• Stay in Communication with Teachers

• Sweet Spot for Amount of Learning Time

• Use Intentional Breaks

• Get to Know Online Platforms (schoology, VTVLC, etc.)

• Give Yourself Grace

Here is the link for the meeting. No need to RSVP. Bring your coffee! We are looking forward to connecting.

EVENT: Live Webinar: Transforming Stress & Building Resilience with Dave Melnick, LICSW

Thursday, January 14 and Thursday, February 18 6:45-8:00pm