A Year to Remember

 

In the matter of days, 2021 will be in the books.  Wow.  It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic has been with us for nearly two years.  This time last year, I’m sure I was not alone in hoping that the new year would see the end of that ordeal.  With high hopes, we entered into this year not knowing what to expect.  It was truly a year to remember.

 

After months of remote learning, Team Selma began in-person learning in late March.  Immediately, following our reopening, there was a school shooting at our beloved Selma High School.  Thankfully there were no injuries. 

 

We responded by partnering with our community and increasing our safety measures.  Further, we provided restorative practices, trauma-informed practices and mental health supports.  Additionally, we focused on a Summer of Restoration which included an amazing summer learning program where we served nearly a third of our scholars and families.

 

Despite our efforts, the school year was wrought with many fights at the high school and we dealt with the negative perceptions that naturally follow videos of school fights being posted on social media.  It was not a good look for Team Selma.  As always, we moved forward being solution-oriented and were able to turn things around by late October.

 

We persevered.  During the school year, we updated our Covid dashboard weekly, added air purifiers to all work and learning spaces, we cleaned, screened, monitored, tested and vaccinated.  We ended the semester with a Peace Day at Selma High where we encouraged our scholars to choose peace and to be safe while making smart choices during the holiday break. 

 

What I am most proud of is that we took time to take a step back and to learn from our challenges.  This learning led us to the relaunch of our strategic plan, A Framework for Excellence.  As we return to school in January, we will do so with updated goals, strategies and a new focus on Safety and Wellness.  Our scholars need and deserve layers of support along with rigorous, engaging learning experiences.  The new plan is designed to do just that.

 

This year was unbelievable.  We lost several cherished team members which was more difficult than I could have imagined.  We also received a number of accolades and recognitions.  We have announced new 2022-2023 Teachers of the Year and even received a resolution from the Alabama State Department of Education.  As a leader, I am grateful.  This was a year like no other and truly one to remember.

 

So, what’s next?  We will find out soon!  For now, I am looking forward to enjoying my family and using this holiday break as a time to reflect and refresh.  I pray that you are able to do the same.  Let’s make 2022 the best year ever!  This is my final Class Notes for 2021 and I will resume writing the second week of January.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.  Our Winter Break began on December 20.  Schools and offices will reopen on January 3 with scholars returning to school on the 5^th.  Be sure to check out our website and social media outlets for more Team Selma news.  We also invite you to join us in Doing Our Part Everyday. Stay safe and be DOPE!

 

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Joyful Season

 

I know I am not alone in wondering where this year has gone.  It is so hard to wrap my brain around that it’s December.  Yet here we are!

 

This time of year can be hard for a number of reasons. My heart goes out to anyone who lost a loved one since the last holiday season.  The first year without those special to us is especially difficult and I encourage you to cherish the memories and focus on making new ones.  Loneliness and depression are real and should be acknowledged.  Go further than that and be sure to get the social, emotional or medical support that you need to be healthy.

 

Joyful is the way I describe this season.  I recently saw a meme that defined joy in an acrostic to mean Just One You.  Yes, there is just one you and being comfortable with that will help make this a truly joyful season.  I want to share two tips for you to think about that may be useful.

 

First, just one you means that you may have to say no.  Overcommitting is common this time of year between holiday gatherings, shopping, traveling and family obligations.  Decide on your priorities and stick to them.  This is easier when you are able to plan ahead.

 

Planning ahead or not, communication is the key.  If you have to say no, communicate it as promptly as possible and by a phone call rather than text or email.  Protect your peace while also maintaining a positive relationship.

 

Secondly, just one you means taking great care of yourself. This season may call for an extra dose of self-care.  Exercise, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest each night.  If you are able, treat yourself to some special me-time.  A massage or trip to the spa may not be in the cards but even a nap can feel rewarding in this season.

 

End this year healthy with a focus on your own wellness to include physical, emotional and spiritual health.  There is just one you.  You are important and you must treat yourself as such.

 

In other news, the holiday season is off to an amazing start in Selma.  Kudos to Mayor Perkins and the City of Selma for a weekend full of joy.  It was an incredible time to fellowship and welcome in this joyful season.

 

There were even opportunities to get the Covid-19 vaccine during the festivities.  Are you fully vaccinated?  If not, there are numerous opportunities in our community to learn more and to receive the vaccination which is the best tool that we have to diminish the impact that this virus has on the families in Selma and Dallas County. 

 

Also, keep in mind that the CDC announced that the three available vaccines are interchangeable for booster shots.  The CDC has also approved vaccines for children as young as five.  These are not mandated by schools but families are encouraged to do their research and make the decision that fits their family.  Seek medical advice from your doctor or a qualified professional. 

 

The pandemic is definitely not over but I am so grateful that circumstances have gotten much better. Each week, we monitor the Covid-19 data to include the vaccination rates in our state and positivity rates in our county.  We will continue to do so and keep the community informed of any changes that we must make.

 

Continue to check out our website and social media outlets for Team Selma news.  We also invite you to join us in Doing Our Part Everyday. Stay safe and be DOPE!

 

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org