The Quill 12-17-21
Embrace-Inspire-Empower
A Thought of Two From Mr. Nieslanik
The end of one year and the start of a new year causes one to reflect, look into the future, and dream. Not all cultures, religions, and parts of the world celebrate the start of the New Year on January 1st, but New Year's Day has become a universal ending and beginning. As you and your family step into Winter Break I hope that you are able to take the time to slow down, reflect on what is important to you, and dream about a better 2022. I also hope that for those of you who celebrate Christmas, your Christmas is merry and bright. For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, I hope your holidays moving forward are full of family, hope, and purposefulness. And to all, I wish you a Happy New Year as we welcome 2022.
As I reflect on what was 2021 and what lies ahead in 2022 I worry about our community. I worry about the financial health of our families, the safety of our children, the impact of social media on our social norms, the power of learning, and the impact of opportunity I see many who struggle, I hear of the pain and trauma felt by some, and I feel the pull of technology away from conversation, family, and friendships. But with all of these worries, I also have hope. I have faith in our collective whole. I need each and every one of you, I need your partnership, I need your hard questions, and I need your leaning into our youth. I simply need you. I have always felt the power of community, and this year I share my thoughts in this light of need, hope, and faith. As we move into 2022 let us build a better, bigger, stronger greater Southridge community.
Be well Skyhawks, be well.
Important COVID Quarantine and Test to Stay Information
BSD recently announced four shifts in our COVID practices. These four shifts are:
- Test-to-Stay Program: For unvaccinated students who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case during the school day or on the school bus.
- Test-to-Shorten-Quarantine Program: For unvaccinated students who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case outside of the school day or do not participate in the Test-to-Stay Program.
- Test-to-Return Program: For vaccinated or unvaccinated students who are experiencing primary COVID-19 symptoms.
For vaccinated students: Your student DOES NOT need to quarantine if exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 case IF:
Your student is two weeks past receiving the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,
AND the vaccination record has been uploaded as part of the online verification process,
AND the student is not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
To upload your student’s vaccination information, follow these instructions.
For specific information on all of these policy updates you can visit the BSD website HERE.
A Huge Skyhawk Shoutout
Career Speakers Series: Human Services, January 11
Support Grad Night: Chipotle on 12/22!
30 Day Notice and State Testing Opt Out Information
In 2010, Oregon adopted enhanced K-12 standards in English Language Arts and Math to ensure all students move from grade to grade with the academic knowledge and skills necessary for success beyond high school. The state tests challenge students to think critically, going beyond multiple choice and asking them to explain their answers. These tests provide a snapshot of your student’s progress and help us identify schools that need additional supports to ensure more students meet the higher standards.
This test is for juniors, and if you do NOT want your student to take the English Language Arts or Math assessment test, please complete the opt-out form at the bottom of this page. Please submit this form to your student’s school by January 3 (for students in Grades 9-12) or February 4 (for students in Grades 3-8). This form is only valid for the 2021-22 school year.
Hotspots Available for those with Internet Connectivity Issues
USTA supports SRHS Tennis Program
A Snapshot into This Week at SRHS
Concert Choir Performing at The Grotto
Staff Basketball Team
Important Upcoming Dates
Dec 20-Dec 31: No School, School Closed for Winter Break
Jan 3: Return to School, Even Day
Jan 11: Career Speaker Series: Human Services
Jan 17: No School, Martin King Luther, Jr. Day
Feb 3: Last Day of Semester One
Feb 4: No School, Grading Day
Feb 7: First day of Semester Two
Feb 16 and 18: Cram the Cage
Feb 21: No School, President's Day
Feb 22: No School, Staff Professional Learning