Hello Chargers,
Wishing you all the best as we start the week together.
A lot has changed in the world since March 11, when we first announced that we’d be moving to virtual learning for at least two weeks (until March 27). I want to thank you all for flexibility and ingenuity as we continue on this new journey together. We’ve learned a lot in just a few days, and I am certain that we will learn plenty more this week. There remains a lot of uncertainty, but on Wednesday I will share an update on the school’s learning plans for the foreseeable future.
After my video on Friday, I’d like to give a big thanks to those of you who shared ideas with me on how we might support members in our community during these uncertain times. Please keep those ideas coming, and copy in Danielle Johnson-Webb, who is working with a group of students and faculty to compile a comprehensive list.
In the meantime, may I suggest that we all start our “helping journey” a little closer to home. As we all adjust to a constricted life at home, please do what you can to make these moments as pleasant and peaceful as possible. You know first-hand that being away from school and trying to balance your academic demands is stressful. Adjusting to new routines is stressful. The same thing is true for other members in your family. Many of you have parents who work in the medical field, some working long, crazy hours right now. Others have parents who are trying to navigate a business or a job that is in a huge state of flux, and they are trying to make the best decisions for now and the future. Many of you have older, college-age siblings who are back in the house and worried about what this all means for their college or future careers. Finally, many of you are living with or near grandparents or others who are ill and particularly vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19.
I am asking that you bring a bit of that Charger magic to your own home in the coming weeks. You know what it is: respect, integrity, compassion. We see you bring your best self to school each day, and all I ask is that you bring a little of that to those closest to you right now – your family. A note of thanks, an offer to help with something around the house, a smile and a hug. The smallest of things can have a big impact.
Thanks, Chargers.
Best,
Dr. Ehrhardt
PS: For those of you looking for materials to support your learning … remember that the library has a ton of resources you can access from home. These can be found under Library Services in Blackbaud’s Resource Boards section.