I just spoke with Mr. Davis about this topic. As you may know by now, this is indeed an option for the upcoming start of our school year. Understanding some parents may see a need to do virtual school, our administrators made sure to keep this option open as did so many other school districts in our state.
To keep it as basic as possible, the option is for a student to take their 3 core classes (other classes) online/virtual. These classes will actually be taught by a designated MSHS teacher. It is still undecided if the ciricullum will be one from the state or one from the school/teacher. Band will still be same time every day but I have no information regarding designated times for online classes. I do know band will be from 1:30-3:15 as always.
If the student/family was to chose this option, it would be a serious commitment by the student to our band program in the exact same manor as in the past. It would rest on the parents to make sure the students were present for class every day just like all other band students.
Even though I have concerns about this option having never done anything like this, I also understand completely why it needs to be an option. The health and safety of each student and even more importantly the parents and other adults cannot be understated. These times are unprecedented and call for unprecedented understanding and flexibility from everyone involved.
If this is an option you choose, you must take care of this now.
THE MSHS OFFICE MUST HAVE CONFIRMATION AND FORMS SIGNED NO LATER THAN MONDAY, 7/20/20. That is literally 4 days from now.
Please do not take this message as an advertisement that you should chose this option. I simply received a few parent emails recently asking about the option and I wanted to let you know what I found out. Bottom line is I want to teach your students this year and I am actually relieved the option is available for those few who will use it.
You do not have to convince me how important band is to these students. I walked in their shoes at their age and continue to this day. I am so thankful for them and thankful for my profession. This week has brought joy to my heart interacting, listening and teaching again. I know the kids appreciate being here because they tell us.
May God bless all of you in the upcoming day, weeks, and months.
