We have completed our first week of remote learning! Who would have thought that I
would be saying such a thing?
What I can say is thank you for your patience as teachers, students and parents navigate
this new learning norm. It certainly has tested our resolve but together supporting one
another I know we can do this! I would also ask that we all seek to give each other grace,
flexibility, patience, and empathy during the challenges of remote learning due to this
pandemic.
I, along with my staff, miss you! Our abrupt departure in March did not prepare us for
what was to come. I can’t tell you enough how much we miss the students, the chatter in
the hallways, the office buzzer ringing from a classroom, the students playing during
recess, after school programs, the shrill of voices as the students bolt out the doors at the
end of a school day, these are the sounds we take for granted but when the building is
empty, you long to hear them. Please know that although remote learning has begun, it
will never replace the human connection!
I would like to thank the “Circle of Help” who has provided technology to some of our
most vulnerable families. We are grateful to this community organization who continues
to provide important resources to families! In addition, Ms. Alvarez and I continue to
loan school technology to families as the reality of remote learning begins to set in.
If you are in need of a Chromebook, please be sure to reach out to your child’s teacher.
While the building has been closed for teaching and learning, it has provided an
opportunity for the construction team to connect our existing building to the new
addition. The overall construction of the Annex is 50% complete. As of today the steel
structure and temporary roof has been completed at the Annex. The exterior framing at
the north side of the building is complete and work will continue to the east and south
with the exterior sheathing (yellow) following. Interior (wall) framing and MEP rough is
in progress. Brick masonry will begin late April.
Next Wednesday, April 22, 2020 is Student, Parent and Teacher conferences and a non-
instruction day for students. Your child’s teacher will be reaching out to you to schedule
a conference with you.
Today’s announcement that CPS will continue remote learning until June 18, 2020, has
generated a lot of questions. Questions about grades, promotion, summer school, planned
trips, graduation, LSC elections, etc. CPS is aware of these questions and many more.
They are working at providing answers as quickly as possible.
When I have answers to any or all of these questions, I will be sure to inform you.
In closing, please know that Waters staff is here to support your children and their
learning. If you are in need of anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
Sincerely,
Titia Kipp