March 18, 2020
SHS Students and Families,
As part of our commitment to the well-being of our students, staff, and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies. Measures that SHS has implemented to protect our community of learners include frequent cleaning and disinfection of areas, access to hand washing facilities, and end-of-day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen and other facilities. Additionally, we are committed to feeding the students we serve. If you are in need of meals, please complete the survey that was sent via district communication. These are unique times which are both unsettling and unpredictable, but please know that the health of all of you and your families is of paramount importance.
Each department of teachers has worked to compose a Continued Learning Kit (CLK) that you are encouraged to complete during this break from traditional schooling. Of note, this work will not be graded as per ISBE recommendation. With this in mind, we have tried our best to include projects and resources that will help to further compliment the learning objectives. Many of these listings will be incorporated into instruction upon your eventual return to the classroom. Your teachers will be available via email to answer any questions you might have. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to ask for help, to acquire resources or information, or if you are in need of guidance and support. We are here for you, and we remain humbly committed to your success.
I would also like to take a moment to encourage you all to be motivated, smart, and resilient in the face of this unexpected adversity. Find a way to brighten someone else’s day, lift each other up as often as possible, and foster new friendships during this time of social distancing. Be positive and be purposeful in all of your interactions and behaviors. Do so, and this may very well become one of the most significant periods of personal growth within your lifetime.
Contrarily, please try to avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits during this time period. As enticing as it may be, binge watching hours of video streaming, playing video games for hours on end, and pacifying your restlessness with your cell phone will most likely not serve to benefit your health, wellness, or intelligence in any capacity. Allowing yourself to become overwhelmingly entranced by social media can be a dangerous game as well. Although this platform can be incredibly beneficial, it can sometimes be used for spreading misinformation. Trust your judgement, and check to confirm that sources are valid and reliable.
As a community of learners, we will be documenting this experience within the yearbook. If you have photos worthy of sharing, please send them to yearbook@shelbyrams.com. If you are a senior, we have converted most of our scholarship applications to digital files, which are accessible via the school website under the guidance section. This will be continually updated, so check back in periodically. We have hard copies available in the high school office for those without access to technology. This is also a unique opportunity wherein students can explore various college / career pathways. Use your time away to investigate what might be the best fit for you!
Please continue to exercise patience and perseverance, and be rest assured in knowing that we will become a stronger and more cohesive community having undergone this experience. As is always the case, we are proud of you, and we believe in your potential. Wishing you all well, always!
Yours in Education,
Mr. Ladd | Principal
Continued Learning Kit - LINK