We only have a couple of updates from UHS this week.
Last Day of Classes
Our plan is for our Seniors' last day to be next Friday, May 22. Though there are no formal assignments being given to seniors due next Friday, the next few days and even beyond May 22 will be an opportunity to catch up on any missed work and to ensure that progress has been made during the closure.
For the remainder of our students, the last day of school is June 17. As we have traditionally had a final exam period for the last few days of school, we will likely arrange a similar schedule, minus the exams, when the last week can be an opportunity for students to make up any assignments missed, both during the closure and prior, to ensure that all students have adequate opportunities to pass. This is also an incentivize doing work now for those who wish to earn credit or credit with distinction and "end" earlier. (This is consistent with some of our exam exemption procedures).
In lieu of final exams, many teachers will be providing final projects, which will be due that final Friday before June 17. We will be reaching out with a schedule of due dates and other details for those final weeks for underclassmen in the next few days.
Grade 7 Town Meeting
We are going to schedule a Grade 7 town hall for the students and parents for the week after next to answer any questions for incoming grade 8 students. Of course, this does not take the place of any orientations that we hope to hold come August.
Retrieval of Things from Building
We will be publishing a schedule in the next couple of weeks that will enable students to come to the building and retrieve items, or to return things that may be at home. We will have to do so in a very purposeful and strategic way, since we do not want to violate any social distancing guidelines.
Staff Departures
For those of you who may have noticed some of our postings, we are in the process of hiring two positions. Ms. Cassell, one of our English teachers, will be moving back to her home state of Oklahoma, and Mr. Barry, one of our guidance counselors, has accepted a position at his alma mater. We thank both of them for their service to UHS, and, while they will be missed, we wish them both luck in their new adventures.
Flying Squadron
Next Friday would have marked the return of the Flying Squadron to our schools for their annual visit to share stories of patriotism, sacrifice, and freedom. While they will not be with us at the school, we hope that, during Memorial Day Weekend, we take pause to remember those who gave their lives and sacrificed so that we could enjoy our freedoms. Particularly in times when we have some of those freedoms compromised - in this case, by an invisible enemy and virus - it is important to remember why we do not take this nation and our citizenship for granted. We will not have our usual Memorial Day assemblies, parades, and prayers, so, on behalf of UHS and our entire community, I thank those brave men and women who served our nation and bow my head in respect to those who gave their lives that we may be free.
Finally, on a personal (and professional) note, I would be remiss if I did not step away from the informational nature of this update to offer my sincere thanks to all those who have shared emails, tweets, comments, or messages of congratulations on being named the Massachusetts High School Principal of the Year. Truthfully, the whole process has been this combination of surreal and validating, and it has not really sunk in - and may not until the day when I actually receive the award and get to formalize my thoughts on what it means. I have been so very fortunate to have arrived at this school, with tremendous staff and students, great colleagues on an administrative team, and supportive community and families. I have been formulating more formal thoughts on what the award means for UHS and me, both professionally and personally, as well as to consider so many individuals and colleagues who helped make something like this possible. For now, it seems more appropriate to just succinctly say thank you and to likewise share that awards like this only motivate me to keep pushing forward!
Have a great weekend
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