Update to Academy Families — January 22, 2021

Bell tower an flag
January 22, 2021

Dear St. Johnsbury Academy Families,

 

This past week at the Academy was inspiring. From an address by Dr. Reverend Bob Potter about his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King; to a Chapel Talk by Academy Senior Ceirra Manassa-Curnin; to the roll-out of a 54-mile “Virtual March” replicating the March from Selma to Montgomery in 1965; to an Inauguration Day presentation about the history of inaugurations from Interim Academic Dean Hank Eaton—not to mention recitations by four students participating in “Poetry Out Loud” this year—our mornings provoked thought and conversation. I am so grateful to all who made this week honoring MLK so memorable.

 

Just a couple of quick updates as we head into the weekend.

 

Attendance Required for In-Person and Online Cohorts

Last week I mentioned that nothing has changed with our in-person dress code, and because we’ve had a number of similar confusions about attendance, I want to make sure to be clear. We still require all students to be in attendance on their cohort days unless otherwise excused. Cohorts have been carefully established, also: so please attend according to cohort and how you have been instructed by your Dean and the Academic and Guidance Offices. If you need to make a change for some reason, or have any questions about your students’ arrangement, you need to be in touch with us. School is in session!

 

Clubs and Activities

We’ve started a number of stimulating new after-school activities in addition to Athletics. Please encourage your student to get involved in theatre, art, math club, Model UN, chess, robotics, or any of the other great opportunities now available, and please be in touch with Campus Life or visit the website for more information.

 

Thank you as always for helping us to create the best possible educational experiences for your students, in a safe, healthy, considerate environment—even in this time of pandemic and ubiquitous uncertainty. I want to remind everyone that my door is always open for conversations about anything that might be getting in the way of students feeling that they belong or are being treated respectfully. Our strong and honest relationships are what make all of our work possible, so please always feel free to reach out to me or to any of our faculty and staff with suggestions, thoughts, concerns, or questions.

 

With best wishes for a snowy and happy weekend,

 

Dr. Sharon Howell

Headmaster

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