Thursday Thoughts - May 13, 2021
Thursday Thoughts
May 13, 2021
Hello Trojan Family,
One Week. One short, tiny, minuscule week. That is all we have left of the 2020-2021 school year. I want to brag on the students and staff of Caney Valley Schools. They have moved through this school year with grit and fortitude. When I think about our school year and the challenges we have faced, I am reminded of one of the mottos taught to U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune: “Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome.”
This is what has transpired during this Covid school year. We have adapted with new curriculum, new guidelines, and new dynamics such as masks and social distancing. We have improvised by moving to virtual instruction during quarantines, power outages, sewer clogs, and even during a polar vortex. But, most importantly, we have overcome. Our students have finished this year with flying colors. These students battled adversity and came out on top.
It has been a different struggle for our staff. We have had small bits and pieces of virtual instruction within our curriculum for several years, but this year forced us to fast forward into full blown virtual instruction. Through the generosity of our patrons passing bond issues, local businesses and organizations, and the Cherokee Nation, our students and staff were able to navigate 47 days of virtual instruction this past year. In year’s past, these days would have had to be made up or be granted a special waiver from the State.
I am convinced that our students will be stronger because of these events, not weaker. As a parent, I love it when my kids are able to solve problems. I feel that many times as parents we forget that kids need to endure problems and learn how to solve them. This is one of the foundations we will continue to pursue next year. Our kids need to know what to do when they don’t know what to do. Throughout life we are all required to solve problems. Our students and staff endured a crash course in problem solving this year in regard to virtual instruction, and I am proud of their accomplishments.
I love getting to see our kids get the recognition they deserve. We will culminate this year of achievement with our graduation ceremony next Thursday evening. Graduation is scheduled for the football field, but with the weather forecasts we are seeing, it will most likely be in our gymnasium. Due to the past efforts of our students, staff, and patrons practicing Covid safety protocols, we will not be limiting seating in the gymnasium. Masks are recommended, but not required. We look forward to honoring our seniors during this ceremony. Thank you for your continued support of our school!
Do Good Things, and Go Trojans!
Dr. C