Roadmap to Reopening: Love, Service, and Care

I'm Dr. Tony Thurman, the very proud superintendent of the Cabot School District. I would like to share a few thoughts as we prepare to release our initial reopening plan.

Keep in mind that this is our initial reopening information. There are still MANY details to be decided before August 13th.  We would rather provide accurate information once rather than continually go “back and forth” on key decisions leaving everyone confused and frustrated.  We are releasing this initial information so that our parents will be able to begin considering options as we move into the fall.  

I believe we can all agree that there is no way to predict what will happen in the next 43 days. What we do hope is that our parents will trust us to do the very best that we can in a challenging situation. Honestly, we do not have any experience with opening school during the midst of an ongoing public health emergency, but I assure you that we are doing the very best we can.  

As we move toward August 13th, I hope the information released later today (Tuesday, June 30) will provide an initial foundation that you'll find helpful. Please know that we'll continue to provide updates as we move through the remainder of the summer.  We have multiple committees of administrators, teachers, parents, and students that are focused on making the best recommendations possible based on the most current guidelines, directives, and information we receive from state officials.

I accept the fact that there will be frustration. There will be frustration if we open with minimal restrictions. There will be frustration if we start with significant restrictions. There will be frustration if it's necessary to wear face coverings. There will be frustration if it's not necessary to wear face coverings.  If we need to pivot from on-site to blended learning during the semester, there will be frustration.  

My request is that you direct your frustration toward me rather than our building administrators and teachers.  Despite the enormity of the challenges, we have staff members that are currently preparing to make the upcoming year the best year ever! As we move into the fall, please show them grace, have patience, model empathy, and stay positive.  

Finally, I know that parents are stressed about making decisions for this fall.  We all want things to return to normal, but since that doesn't seem to be in the realm of possibilities at this point, it is more important than ever for us to work together.  

When we do return to school, we need students to know that we are all on the same page and support one another.  Just know that regardless of the circumstances for the fall and what you decide in regard to the best program for your child, we are going to do all we can to love, serve, and care.    

Thanks for your continued support of our school district.  I've said it before and I'll say it again....

Things turn out best for those that make the VERY best of the way things turn out. 

Go Panthers!