School Matters Week of 11/08/2021

In 1990, I had the opportunity to participate in a program with the United States Armed Forces. They were attempting to recruit some of the top academic high students to join the military, and they wanted public school educators to promote this effort. I was asked to join a small group of teachers to visit Washington D.C. and explore some of the military’s elite programs. Of all the sites, visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was the most memorable experience. It was one of those beautiful fall days with a warm gentle breeze blowing across Arlington. The park was closed, and there were less than ten people gathered around the Tomb. The sun was setting, and it was such a somber and reflective moment. In the distance, a member of the Old Guard started playing taps as the sun set. Those notes drifted by us, and it was one of the most stirring moments I have ever experienced in my life.

The remains of three American service men lay in rest underneath the Tomb. The remains of soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War are contained within the tomb. The marble white sarcophagus stands on a prominent point overlooking the Capital. The Tomb is guarded by a highly trained group of soldiers from Fort Myer. These soldiers maintain a constant vigil over the Tomb and provide protection, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We were given the rare opportunity to actually approach the Tomb. It was an incredible experience which was transcendental. The massive crowds were gone, the constant talking was absent, and no one was shouldering in to get a better view. As a history teacher, I knew the words which were etched on this Tomb but actually seeing them that close did something to my soul. Tears welled up in my eyes as I read the words. “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

As the notes from Taps drifted away, I thought about these American soldiers resting in honored glory. We do not know who they were. Nor do we know the mothers, fathers, wives, sons or daughters they left behind. No one will ever tell their story or demonstrate our appreciation for their service. Their names will never be displayed. While their service will never be forgotten, their individual story is unknown to us. We celebrated Veterans Day this week, and it is altogether proper we do so, but this recognition should be every day. We should thank our veterans for their service and for protecting the freedoms we have today. It is our responsibility to ensure their service and dedication are not forgotten and that we tell their story each day. If we fail to recognize this story, there is a possibility we will lose those memories. All of us should be committed to expressing our appreciation for those who have served and for preserving our way of life. We should constantly tell the story so their service is not forgotten.

Please review the following information and contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please remember to email Mrs. Webb (webbk@hcboe.net) if you have other questions you would like us to address in future articles.

1. Schools will be closed the entire Thanksgiving Week from November 22 - 26.

2. Our COVID numbers continue to remain relatively low. Toward the end of this week, we had 23 total active cases in the district. All cases involved students and no staff members.

3. The President has issued an executive order that all individuals working in companies (governed by OSHA) are required to be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. This will not apply to companies under 100 employees. The state of Tennessee is under the authority of OSHA, so this executive order will encompass most businesses/industries in the state. This will also include public schools. It is important to note that this would only apply to staff. Students are not included in this mandate. It is equally important to note that at least 21 states have filed suit against the mandate, and it is possible the Circuit Court will issue an injunction before the January deadline. It is also very likely this will be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court for final resolution. We are working internally to determine what all of this means for our staff. Students will not be required to wear a mask, or have the vaccination, to attend school.

4. Celebrate Education is a new program to celebrate and recognize our staff for their service. We are doing a little something on the first Monday of each month to show our appreciation. Several churches and organizations have already adopted schools and are going to do something on the first Monday starting in December. Please consider adopting a school if you have not already done so. Keep in mind that you do not have to do anything major – just a little something to let all staff members know we recognize their service.

5. Several individuals have called about next year’s school calendar because they are scheduling vacations. We will discuss the 2021-2022 school calendar in December and approve it in January.

6. School board members met with Dr. Qualls last Friday to discuss some of the details associated with the superintendent search. The board will provide opportunities for the community and staff to offer feedback on what they want to see in the next superintendent. The new superintendent will assume their official duties on July 1. My last day will be June 30, and I am committed to making sure the transition is as smooth as possible. I will do all within my powers to ensure the next superintendent is ready to go on the first day of school.

There is always the chance that the service and sacrifice of our veterans will be forgotten unless we demonstrate our appreciation. We need to tell that story lest future generation forget or devalue that commitment. Take a moment to thank a veteran today and continue to express your appreciation throughout the year. Thanks for your attention to this article and remember, School Matters!