Wednesday, April 1, 2020
'This is no time to ease and comfort. It is time to dare and endure.'
To The Swift School Community:
As the pandemic evolves I can honestly say that I do not believe we collectively had a clear notion about the extent to which our lives would be altered. What occurred in Wuhan, China, certainly seemed so different than the COVID-19 situation across the United States today. The statistics are grim. Particularly as metropolitan Atlanta is tagged as an emerging 'hot spot' like so many other areas.
As with our medical professionals near and far, teachers and parents are shining through as heroes in the way they are rising to the occasion to continue instruction and to be the beacons of hope our students look toward for a sense of purpose and consistency. Though not without challenges, the delivery of remote instruction is serving to meet instructional needs during this uncertain time. I am proud of our students and families for the way instruction is prized. The faculty's work and support necessary to make remote instruction of great value is noted! Many thanks to so many of you for your kind words and thoughts. They fuel our efforts! Providing remote instruction is challenging. Providing remote instruction effectively to a dyslexic population is highly challenging.
Spring break will be observed from April 6-13. Remote instructional schedules will resume on Tuesday, April 14.
April 14 was the anticipated return-to-school date I communicated to you a week ago. As we have all become so keenly aware, so much changes so quickly. Based on the social distancing guidelines publicly announced most recently, at this point I am informing you that we will remain in the remote learning format until further notice. The safety of all is central in this decision-making.
In yet another consequence of this national situation, the Swift Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to postpone construction on the campus due to the suspension and disruption of the project schedule. As soon as the all clear is signaled, the project will proceed. For a very long time I've been looking forward to construction, particularly prior to my retirement in June. Even though this turn of events was not imagined or anticipated, much heartfelt thanks is extended to our generous and passionate donors who made Paving the Path's goal a reality.
Please continue to adhere to the following:
Thank you for your remarkable determination in the educational process and the appreciation you have for our efforts. Enjoy the spring holidays.
Sincerely yours, Rich Wendlek Head of School |