SWGHS Principal's weekly message for Spring Break

Hello Southwest,

I hope this message finds you all staying healthy, practicing social distance, getting exercise, and staying on top of what your teachers are providing. 

Spring break is upon us. For those of you who have stayed on top of your studies, I highly suggest you take a mental break from this new form of learning. I suggest you read an interesting book, get some exercise and practice those random acts of kindness. For those of you that have been disengaged from the distance learning, I suggest you take this time to catch up with your peers. 

To reiterate, ALL students should be engaged with their teachers’ instruction. We have the ability to see your student's’ activity, and at this time, we see only 10% of our student body disengaged. So, thank you to the 90% who are continuing their studies as expected.  While we are still waiting on additional clarifications on the state’s Pass/Fail for seniors, it is still important for all seniors to be continuing their work as their studies will impact their future. Seniors who were failing as of March 16 need to work with their teachers to continue working and get that grade up or else they are in jeopardy of graduating on June 5.  For underclassmen, there has yet to be a decision on whether a numerical grade will be assigned, so please know it is vital for all students to be involved in their studies as their grades, if numerical, may end up being applied to their GPA, and cumulative credits towards graduation.

The state has yet to waive the NCFEs so this is yet another reason for all students regardless of their grade stay top of their studies. I am sure we will find out more on this in the near future. AP exams are now finalized and are being communicated to you via your counselor and teacher. The format in how they are delivered will be different but will occur. A gentle reminder that there are instructions within this blog for parents who wish to monitor their student's canvas activity.

Canvas Parent Guide https://gcs.instructure.com/courses/33659/files/4653994/download?download_frd=1 Canvas Parent Pairing Instructions https://gcs.instructure.com/courses/33659/files/4633305/download?download_frd=1

CCP Guidelines:

If dually enrolled students are unable to complete a currently enrolled college course, the following guidance is provided:

If a high school SENIOR is unable to complete a college course for any reason (Access to a Wi-Fi connected device or broadband in order to complete courses offered online may not be available; ● Community college course content may not be able to be completed in an online format; ● Community colleges may not have the capacity to offer remote learning; IL/ME:SSC/KG.3.27.20 ● High schools may be closed resulting in no access to community college course; or ● Students/family may have health or other personal reasons to not be able to complete the course due to the pandemic.)

1. NCDPI and NCCCS recommends that the Community College withdraw the student from the community college course issues occurred for below: 
2. Southwest will verify that the student is enrolled in the corresponding approved high school course and give the student a grade of Pass based on progress as of March 13. If the community college course is not needed to satisfy a graduation requirement, give the student a grade of Withdraw.

If a high school student is a JUNIOR and is unable to complete a community college course, NCDPI and NCCCS recommend:

1. Community College: Withdraw the student from the community college course; or Assign an Incomplete for the community college course with the understanding that the student may be able to complete the course during the summer term or the next academic year at no additional future cost. 
2. NCDPI and NCCCS recommend a clear statement on the transcript that this Incomplete is due to COVID-19.
3. Southwest will verify that the student is enrolled in the corresponding approved high school course and give the student a grade of Pass using based on progress as of March 13.
4. Withdraw from courses have been extended until April 24th (per Ms. Whitlow, Liaison CCP/Dual enrollment, lswhitlow@gtcc.edu)

EOGs, EOCs, and related Alternate Assessments will not be administered this Spring 2020 per the approved State Testing Waiver submitted to the USDOE.

NCFEs at this time are still undecided upon by the state. Once more information is provided by the General Assembly, an update on NCFEs will be communicated. 

Please continue to stay healthy, exercise, sanitize not only your hands, but items you touch. Social distancing is absolutely key to slowing this pandemic down.

Please make sure you all are signed up for your teachers' and counselors'  reminds to stay in touch as well as checking their websites for any necessary instructions to access online learning opportunities.

Be on the lookout on our social media platforms as well as on our website under students services for the SEL activity for the week. Thank you to Ms. Farmer for leading the charge on this! 

A gentle reminder that we have amazing staff on site who can support you during these times. Please make sure you reference this attachment in case you need anything. 

Please continue to stay healthy Southwest. Our staff continue to work extremely hard behind the scenes transforming their delivery of education to best serve your student at this time. We also know your lives have been turned upside down as well. Feel free to e-mail your students' teachers if you need assistance with your student's work, or call any of our support staff if your student needs extra support. I miss each and every one of you and can not wait to see you real soon!  Thank you very much, have a great night, practice social distancing please, and remember we are... Southwest!