Hello Hilton Head Prep Community,
I would like to begin by saying how proud I am of our students and our faculty for the hard work they have been doing over the past week. I would also like to thank and recognize our parents who are adapting to our new norm. Transitioning to our new online format would be a major accomplishment with the luxury of time, planning and professional development. Our faculty and students made this transition in a matter of days! There is a steep learning curve for everyone so please have grace and work with us as we adapt and make changes. I have asked each Division Head to take a sampling of students and parents for questions and feedback on how things are going. Based on our faculty, student and parent feedback will adjust accordingly while still maintaining reasonable expectations.
The South Carolina Government just announced that public schools will be closed until the end of April. Hilton Head Prep will follow the same direction. Based on the media coverage of where we are in the progression of the Corona Virus this should not come as a surprise. The only way for us to minimize the impact of the Coronavirus in our community is for all of us to follow the directions we are being given. Stay at home or follow the social distancing guidelines and wash/disinfect accordingly.
Each Division Head forwarded some information that Mrs. Calore provided on the emotional aspects of this situation. Please make an effort to read what was provided. Also, we are fortunate to live in a place where the weather allows us to be outside. Take some time each day to simply step out into your yard or green space and get some fresh air and exercise. I know we are very close to limiting the use of technology in my own home so that the kids get moving, tackle chores, and simply interact. Pick up that instrument sitting in the corner or closet and practice. I have seen a lot of creative family activities and ways to socialize from a distance, be creative. Our athletes can continue to train at home as well with basic drills, footwork, calisthenics, eye hand coordination drills, be creative.
Our administrative team will be meeting tomorrow to discuss our calendar of events for the coming months. With the assumption that school will reopen in early May, our intention is to proceed with planned events (Sports and Arts) to the best of our ability and within safety guidelines and time constraints. I would also like to take a moment to recognize our seniors and the impact this is having on the final months of their High School careers. Seniors, Please know that we are working on options and ideas to make these last few months memorable beyond the Coronavirus. We have every intention of celebrating your Graduation as you walk across that stage! Keep working hard!
We are all experiencing hardship so I feel it is important for us to recognize that this is only a moment in time that will pass. We will continue to operate and plan for our doors to re-open and our students to walk the halls again. We miss our students!!
Thank you for your support and stay safe,
Jon Hopman