PLANNING FOR 2021-22:
Even though the calendar is still stuck on February, we have been making plans for the next school year for several months. Among others, the Bell Schedule Team, Master Schedule Team, Counseling Office, Academic Team and Calendar Committee have all had responsibilities for planning aspects of the next academic year.
During the past three weeks, freshman, sophomore and junior students have been engaged with the Counseling Office to review course scheduling options for 2021-22. Students should be having conversations with their parents/guardians, about graduation requirements and 2021-22 scheduling choices. Mr. Mahaffey is meeting virtually one on one with every student to solidify course request worksheets.
The Bell Schedule Team has also been meeting and planning during the past months. They have surveyed students and faculty about the current Block Schedule and have researched various promising models for daily bell schedule options for 2021-22. Much data has been gathered and many discussions have ensued. Many data points must be considered in the scheduling puzzle. The needs of the high school must be balanced with the needs of the elementary school as well as the varied facility usage needs for the common areas of our campus, including both gyms and Korbie Commons. Recently, the Bell Schedule Team made their schedule recommendation to the Academic Team. I am happy to report that the Bell Schedule Team recommendation has been approved and a finalized high school daily bell schedule for 2021-22 will be shared in the coming weeks. I wish to recognize and thank the members of our Bell Schedule Team for all of their extra efforts: Mr. Norlander, Mrs. Herbst, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Krueger and Dr. Biesmann. I am grateful for the excellent process used by the team as they aim to advance the learning environment at SMSA.
Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us!
Be well, God bless.
Eamonn O’Keeffe, Principal Grades 9-12