Last Days Announcements (6/22 - 6/23)

Hello World History,

Greetings and I hope this finds you & yours well and healthy. Whew, we made it! Our 2019-2020 school year ends officially this Tuesday, 6/23, and you have done a truly commendable job of navigating this challenging and difficult time. Here are a couple of announcements and some closing information:

• Optional activity: watch & reflect on the TedTalk “The Danger of a Single Story” - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which is posted in Teams.

• While I will officially post grades on Monday afternoon, you can see your final Semester 2 grade in Skyward right now under the “S2” heading. Please check and let me know if you have any questions about your final grade. (NOTE: adjustments have been entered so that you receive the higher of either your current grade OR your Baseline [the better of your MT3/Q3]. Students within .5% of the next letter grade have also been rounded up, per my usual class policy).

• If your final grade shows an F, this will be converted to an Incomplete on your report card. Staff (counselors, administrators, etc.) are contacting students with Incompletes to figure out next steps for earning back credits through things like summer school, online courses, schedule changes for next year, etc. Please reach out to your counselor if you have questions about making up credits for Incompletes.

As we close up in these last two days, I want to encourage you to look back thoughtfully on this past semester. Both as learners and as people, you have experienced a great deal---from setbacks and obstacles, to successes and growth---and it is a healthy and worthwhile exercise to reflect on these things. Celebrate the victories you achieved and equip yourself with newfound insights before you enjoy a well-deserved summer break. :)

Finally, I want to say thank you. Students---thank you for the incredible work & focus you have summoned to continue your development as learners in spite of the circumstances. Families---thank you for the amazing support you have given to your children as you made your way through online learning. It has been a pleasure to work with you this year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you,

~ Mr. Matzen