Week of June 6, 2021:
We did it! We have made it through the 2020-21 school year. This has been a remarkable year, and each of you needs to take a bow/pat yourself on the back – whatever you need to do to celebrate. This year has been different for each of us, and only you can assess how you did. Please take time to reflect on the year by talking with your child about what they have learned. We cannot use our "normal" measures to determine success, but we need to look at growth as an individual. This was a year when family time returned to being a priority. We were invited into your homes and you into ours. You had unparalleled access to teachers and different learning opportunities.
We will take the best of the year and use it in the future to continue to be your choice for your child's education. We again applaud you for all you have done over the past year, and please take time for YOU to recharge, relax, and reflect.
See you soon!
The EWA Family!
Salute to the Seniors – we were able to hold complete face-to-face graduation on June 3 to celebrate a wonderful group of Seniors. This was our largest graduating class to date and the largest Eagle Society induction (students who attend EWA from K-12). It was great to see the Seniors together as a group and how they celebrated each other. They will be representing EWA across the State and East Coast next year in college. What a fantastic group of young people – make us proud!
Chromebook Returns – if you still have a school Chromebook, please return it to campus on Monday or Tuesday. Please return to Mrs. Boykin in the elementary lobby!
Emergency Broadband / Internet Option for families in need – This is a resource from NCDPI to help families with internet services. Please click on the link
Emergency Broadband for Families
Yearbook – Due to COVID, the Yearbook publishing was pushed back. We have been able to work with Jostens, and for the first time, the entire year will be captured in this year's book.
The last of the spring sports photos wrapped up last week, and we will hopefully be able to get graduation shots in as well. Jostens predicts we should receive the yearbooks in late July.
After they arrive, we will contact the seniors and have a Senior Signing day to come by and pick them up before they leave for college.
Board Meeting – Tuesday, June 8 at 7:30. The ZOOM link will be posted on the website Tuesday afternoon!
2021-22 School Year:
Plan – We will return to campus for 100% face-to-face instruction. This is what we do best, and we are ready for ALL students to return to campus! The State does not require a remote option, and we are focusing our resources on a total return.
Face Coverings – At this time, we do not know if face coverings will be required. Many experts are forecasting that face covering will still be needed in schools with younger students not being vaccinated. We will follow the DHHS requirements. Please understand we will update you as we receive new guidance.
SEL – Social Emotional Learning – We know that many students will face new hurdles as they return to school. We are working on plans to help all students make a safe transition back to the school environment. Experts continue to talk about the increase in anxiety among young people. Please take the time to speak with your children about returning to school and what they feel they need. By having the conversations now, you will help their transition back. We are here to help if you need resources.
First Day of School – The first day of school is July 28, 2021. EVERYONE must be present on the first day. Attendance is directly attached to our funding, so please plan accordingly!!!
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 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