SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE (MARCH 23rd)
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students/Supporters:
I hope you are healthy and taking all precautions to keep everyone out of harm's way.
The unprecedented and abrupt closure of school has left everyone, teachers included, with more questions than we have answers. The situation is fluid and changing day by day.
As our school and district work their way through this uncertainty, please know that I will continue to communicate information, not just as it relates to our program, but as it relates to the entire school community as that information becomes available to me.
A few specific answers to your questions:
Cookie dough: Please "pause" cookie dough sales for now. I apologize for the confusing Reminds that were sent out- those were scheduled prior to school closing. I tried to cancel them, but Remind has been a little "glitchy," I suspect due to a higher amount of traffic than normal since schools have closed state-wide. I will have further instructions on what to do with cookie dough sales once I have answers about what will happen with school after Spring Break. Please be patient and know that I will advise you as soon as I have answers myself.
Instruments: Our district is doing everything they can to slow and stop the spread of the virus. Because of that, they are not allowing students to pick up instruments at this time. I know many of you did not have the ability to take them home with you on that last day of school and I know that you are frustrated and wish you had your equipment. I understand your frustration and I promise that I will let you know the second we are able to get your equipment back in your hands. Please understand that this is a district-wide mandate that they have implemented for everyone's well-being and that I am simply following orders as they have been given to me.
Auditions: Advanced Band auditions will take place when and if we come back to school. If we do not come back to school, other arrangements (likely digital ones) will be made. All efforts will be made to accommodate those without access to the necessary technology in the event we have to go this route. I am hopeful that we will be able to resume school and continue with the year as planned.
Section leader applications: I will make these available online as I always do and they can be printed, filled out, scanned, and emailed back to me OR you can just email me your answers to each question. Interviews will be scheduled over the phone if school does not resume and it becomes necessary for us to do so.
Band Banquet/Spring Concert: These events are still "on" as scheduled and will remain on the calendar unless it becomes necessary for us to change plans. In the event school does not resume, I will postpone Band Banquet and we will still have it, even if it's during band camp or at the beginning of the school year.
Band Camp: I am hoping and planning to run band camp as scheduled and as normal. It is far enough out that I am hopeful we will be over this hump and will be able to resume activities by then.
In general, please be patient, and don't worry- that is my job. Your job is to stay healthy, keep a positive attitude, and lift each other (your peers, band-mates, and families) up in these difficult times.
Lastly, you have all heard me say that our program is more than a class. It's a family, and families help one another. If there is anything I can do to be of service during these unprecedented times, I am ready, able, and willing. Just send me an email.
I love and miss you all, I look forward to seeing you soon, please stay safe, and- above all else- wash your hands!
Miss Pallas
Help the band get more funding!
Take the LCAP survey by following the link below.
In each text box, type "more funding for band and the performing arts."
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Link to survey: https://visaliausd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aboAxBVLswFtZrL
CLASSROOM WISH LIST
Water
Kleenex
Band Aids
Paper Towels
Hand Sanitizer
Clorox Wipes