Week of May 16, 2021:
As farmers say, “we are in the short rows now.” We are getting close to the end of this historic school year that has helped all of us grow as individuals and to look at and appreciate the actual value of education. The continued balance between physical and emotional health has been trying. We continue to marvel at our families, teachers, and, most of all, our students. We have been navigating the worst pandemic in over 100 years, and as we come out on the other side, we have to all be better for the journey. We have lost friends, family members, and opportunities, but we have not lost HOPE. Our hope continues to be that the future brings us back together and working as one to support each other for the good of all students. It will not be the same as before – we hope that we will continue to be better and, as we say – “better together.”
The CDC announced new mask guidelines, and Governor Cooper is lifting capacity restrictions. So, we are moving in the right direction. We do need to remember that the mask mandate still applies to schools. As we hear more from the Governor, we will keep you in the loop. We have had two minor outbreaks at school over the past two weeks, so we need to continue to be diligent in our safety measures.
On a personal note, my daughter graduated today from Boston University with her Doctorate degree. It was both a happy and a sad day as we were not allowed to attend the ceremony due to the University's COVID restrictions. We watched the live stream of the graduation and heard from the founder of Moderna. His message was to be a pioneer and continually ask the question …” what if?" His story was amazing and his challenge was to be better tomorrow than we are today.
Board Election Information - The EWA Board of Directors will elect Directors for two (2) expiring seats (terms are ending June 2021) at its regular meeting on June 8 at 7:30 pm in the Baker Center (inside the High School). Any person interested in applying for a Board seat should submit a current resume or bio, along with interest and vision for EWA. Submittals should include contact information and shall be delivered via electronic mail to stephanie.hall@eastwakeacademy.org. A question-and-answer session will be held before the board meeting from 6:00–7:00 pm on June 8 in the Baker Center (NCDHHS COVID-19 safety protocols are required).
Link to information on the website: Board Election Information
EOG / EOC Testing – Why are we testing? Federal and State mandates require the EOG / EOC to be given. We do not have an option. The EOG /EOC does not have an “opt-out” for any individual. The push by the Feds/State to continue with testing is to collect data on where students are in their learning and give a baseline for future growth. With all tests, there is a feeling of stress. In this case, please talk with your child about doing their best. Remember – your child is not a number and EOY testing is just a snapshot in time. Please just hang in there!
Returning to EWA – This has been a challenging year for families and teachers for many reasons. Much has been asked of you, your family, and the school. As a school, we have tried to navigate the COVID storm and support our students in the best ways we could. It has indeed been a balancing act. We look forward to the future and the start of the 2021-22 school year. We know our return will not be back to so-called “normal,” but it will be back to what we do best – Face to Face instruction. We plan to be 100% back on campus! We will take what we have learned during COVID and continue to improve as a school. We will never deviate from our mission to do what is best for kids!
We look forward to having everyone back for next year!
As you reflect on the school year, if you decide not to return to EWA for the 2021-22 school year, please let us know ASAP to help you with your child’s school record transfer and help another family make their transition to EWA! Please contact Kim Campbell if you have enrollment or withdrawal questions. kcampbell@eastwakeacademy.org