March 11, 2020 was a date that I and all of us will never forget. I was at the Thunder game at the Chesapeake Center that night when our world and lives changed. The events that have occurred in our nation since that fateful day would have seemed like some science fiction fairytale just a year ago. We have been shaken. We have been challenged. We have been pushed. We have been through more difficult events in five short months than I have seen in my fifty years on this earth. BUT! We at Minco Public Schools are undeterred.
In just a few weeks, we are embarking on a school year where there are many unknowns. We at Minco have been preparing for this day since March 13th when we had our first of many statewide meetings. We at Minco have been closely monitoring state guidelines, safety protocols, and we have put a Return to Learn plan and Virtual plan in place that is like nothing we have ever done before. We are undeterred.
Today one of the biggest arguments in our nation is over a piece of cloth. To some, masks represent the evil of a tyrannical system. To others, if you do not wear a mask, you should be fined if not even put in jail. We are undeterred.
Will high school sports happen? Some accuse us of near child abuse if we try. Some accuse us of being controlled by the government and weak minded if we do not. We are undeterred.
Today’s climate of political division has taken our nation by storm. People fight each other over everything from face coverings, which party to support in the election to what is the best toothpaste. Division is fierce. We are undeterred.
There is a lot that ails us today in our society. We have seen things we thought we would never see. Our most sacred of institutions have been under attack, and the uncertainties that we face today are very disheartening at times. But I can promise you this, we serve a certain God, and we will remain undeterred.
As we enter into the 2020-2021 school year, I can assure you that our staff will be undeterred in teaching, caring for, and most importantly loving your children. We are fully committed to fostering an environment that our children need to be successful. In these most difficult times, we will be undeterred in providing the quality education that your children deserve. I have no idea what will happen with the virus, who will win the election, or if everything will go as planned, but I know this we are undeterred.
As the leader of Minco Public Schools, you have my commitment that our staff is ready for what will come our way. You can take it to the bank that we will get the job done in 2020-2021. WE ARE UNDETERRED!!