By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Heights Superintendent
With the final two days of the school year upon us, the way we are closing out this school year still seems surreal. We are living in remarkable times. These current events started a chain of events that has changed our world, seemingly overnight.
Through all of this, one thing is crystal clear: Our students, our families and our community have shown extraordinary resilience. We have seen amazing acts of kindness and connectiveness throughout our school community. Whether it is posting positive messages through social media and hashtags, sharing positive thoughts through sidewalk chalk drawings, checking in on friends and loved ones digitally, even communicating the old-fashioned way of writing a letter and making a phone call, the good is all around us.
One such example was a recent YouTube video created by our high school staff to share with students. It speaks volumes and is a testament to the strong connection between our students and staff. You can watch this video through this link.
This pandemic changed the way that education was delivered at all levels these past couple of months and may dictate how we operate moving forward. It has not changed the fundamentals of public education. It allowed us to push our boundaries and create new ways of delivering on our mission. We want to thank everyone who brought their best thinking and creative problem solving to make the best of the challenges presented over the past two months. Our educators, administration, board and student leaders who all contributed to creating a meaningful and successful path through to the end of the year.
To the Class of 2020 – I know how important the end of the school year is to you and the significance graduation merits. I thank you for your sacrifice, resilience and continued optimism in the face of unprecedented adversity. It matters. We want you to know that your graduation is sacred and we are preparing to make it a memorable one.
Your experience may have been interrupted, but your final chapter has yet to be written. I am so proud of each and every one of you. The legacy of this class will hold a special place in history. I remain inspired by the Class of 2020 and look forward to celebrating graduation with you. #WeAreHuskies