GMS Principal's Corner

Sarah Shannon

A March 15, 2020 Update

Dear Galvin Families,

Today I am writing to you as your principal, as a fellow middle school parent, and as a citizen of our greater community. Today feels surreal. I am working from home with fellow Canton administrators and teachers to develop online learning opportunities for our students. And, I'm here with me own 6th and 8th grade sons while my husband, who works in the medical field, has gone to work at the hospital. None of this feels right, yet it is our new reality for at least the next three weeks.

Like many, I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. I loved working with them, guiding them, and teaching them the joys of literature and, dare I say, grammar :-). Twenty plus years later, I realize I also love working in schools because of the relationships I am fortunate to build with students, staff and families. I thrive on the beautiful chaos of school. The next three weeks will challenge my definition of what school is and my ability to support the GMS community - students and adults - in a virtual environment. What a unique challenge and opportunity this will be.

Personally, I purposefully practice positivity. I work hard to see the silver lining where it may not be obvious. That is how I manage my emotions and anxiety in hard times. I have to believe that this time is a test and that we, as a school and a world community, will learn a lot about each other, our ways of being, and about our collective power as a community of people through this experience. These are the times our humanity will shine most bright.

Now, I'm also a realist and a middle school parent to two VERY active boys. You and I are in the same boat. I am, by no means an expert and, in full transparency, have been told several times this weekend already what a terrible mother I am because I've both limited my older son's time on XBox and enforced regular bed times. That said, I would encourage all of you, if you are able, to try to do the following with your children over the next three weeks:

Maintain a normal schedule (keep your morning and bedtime routines, have set meals, delineate times for schoolwork, outside play and exercise)
Allow children to interact virtually with their friends. Yes, this means they should be allowed to game, video chat, FaceTime, etc. Just have them do it in moderation and on a schedule.
Limit your child's exposure to the news. Instead, have conversations with them about what's happening. Use some of the resources below to base those conversations on science and facts.
GO OUTSIDE!!!! Sunshine is good for staying healthy - physically and emotionally!
Remember, your child is feeling many of the same emotions that you are. Their future is uncertain, they don't know what this new reality will look like, they don't understand why they can't hang out with their friends and they are afraid that you or they will contract the virus. When they yell at you, fight with their sibling or just breakdown and cry, this may be why. Be as patient and understanding as you can be in that moment. Or, come back to them when you're calmer and talk to them about how you're both feeling.
Do NOT let your children have in-person play dates with their friends. Taking the social distancing guidelines seriously is how we will get back to our regular.

Everywhere, from Governor Bakers speech to Facebook, we are being encouraged to not treat these days like snow days. I want to emphasize that. It is important to maintain a sense of normalcy right now and, for your children, part of their normal is school. As you heard the Governor say, schools are actively working on ways to provide learning during this time. Yesterday you received an email with a link to many educational resources. I strongly encourage you to utilize this resource this week until we have more developed. In addition, some teachers have started to reach out to their students with ideas for what they can do or to just send positive messages. These are great touch points for your children. We will be back in touch with a robust plan as we have more details.

Over the next three weeks, we will be learning together. Please be patient with us as a district as we learn ourselves. Please know that I am here for you. If you need anything, please email me. I will be working a normal school day and will be checking email outside of those hours as well. Please ask for help if you need it.

Wishing you all good health,
Sarah

COVID-19 Resources

Below please find two resources to support you in your conversations with your children about COVID-19.

Talking With Children: TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS DURING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS

How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

FREE Internet Access: Comcast's Internet Essential Program

If you need internet access: Please use the following links for information regarding Comcast's Internet Essential Program for any families in need of internet access.

https://www.internetessentials.com/

https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19