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The Woof - 3 June 2020

This week, Mr. Daigle compiled a “virtual performance” by South teachers and staff, in tribute to our students. We hope you enjoy our performance of “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXWZvpjRfNg! We may not be professional performers, but I hope our message comes through loud and clear: we love, respect, and miss our students! We hate being apart during difficult times, and hope, if any good can come from this disruption, it will be to make us appreciate how much the community at South Middle School really means to all of us.

I have to say, the lyrics have taken on new meaning as they have run through my mind all week: “We find out what we’re made of when we are called to help our friends in need.” In recent days, we have all been called on to help our friends, neighbors, and countrymen in a moment of critical need as Black Americans have been lynched and their murders broadcast. It has been harrowing to watch the brutal scenes unfolding on TV and social media, and not be able to spend time together with our students to reassure them that they are valued and loved. It has been exhausting to watch and listen as people have tried to divide us and trick us into believing that if anyone gains, then someone else must be losing. Love is not a zero-sum game: the more you give, the more you have. Respect is not zero-sum either: the more you share it around, the more it will come back to you. Opportunity is not zero-sum: the more anyone has, the more we will all have.

Let me say this unequivocally: Black Lives Matter. Black Futures Matter. We owe it to each other to defend and support this truth every day. When any of us gains, we all gain; when any among is in need, may we all feel the lack. When we are called to help our friends in need, may we all stand together. And to all our students of color and their families, let me say, we stand with you. We see you. We hear you. If you or a loved one needs to speak to someone, please email me: damon.rainie@braintreeschools.org. Ms. Pags, our guidance counselors, school psychologist, nurses, and I are available to speak, or to listen, or to just be with you. You can count on us.


Remote Learning Week 9:

 

Collecting Students’ Personal Belongings:

We have received many questions about when students will be able to collect their personal belongings from school. Please be patient as we remain in the midst of a global pandemic. Guidelines will be thoroughly communicated along with dates as soon as that information is available. When limited-sized groups are allowed to access the building, students will also be issued yearbooks (if purchased), encouraged to check Lost & Found, and expected to return school books & locks to your teachers’ classrooms. As of now, all school buildings remain closed to the public by order of the Mayor.

 

Please contact me with any questions. Above all, please be well.

—Damon Rainie


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