Wednesday
October
24, 2007
“Trial by fire” has new meaning for all of us
at Marston Middle School. Mother Nature has once again given us the
opportunity to take a look at what is important and reassess what we hold dear.
The fires that have ravaged the landscape and structures of San Diego County
have not been able to extinguish the sense of community spirit and resolve of
the San Diego
community or our Marston families for holding dear what is most valuable –
people. We have a renewed sense of
belonging and purpose as we remember that our lives and our relationships with
each other are more precious than the things
that fill our homes and schools.
During this crisis
we have attempted to stay in communication with each other by providing as much
information as possible to the Marston Community through the following means:
- Continual updating
on the district and school websites about the latest developments.
- Daily TeleParent
messages regarding the status of school closure and where to call for more
information.
- Current
information on the school marquee about school closure and where to get more
information.
- Current
information on the school telephone answering machines regarding the status of
school closure and where to call for more information.
- Daily TeleParent
and e-mail messages to school staff.
All Marston
families, faculty and staff have been impacted by the fires in one way or
another. To help with a return to normalcy when school is finally opens, our counselors
will be available for anyone who may want their services. We want to be sure that students have a safe
environment to return to, and to that
purpose, the custodial staff will use cleaning guidelines issued by the County of San Diego, and the San Diego Regional
Water Quality Control Board to prepare for the return of staff and students.
Experts suggest
getting back into a routine can promote the healing process and relieve anxiety,
and so we will attempt to do that while staying aware of the needs of
individual students. Our teachers know
how to talk and listen to students, when to refer them for additional help, and
will work to revitalize a sense of security as we get back into the routine of
school.
We are all concerned
about the loss of instruction time. At this point, district and county
officials are investigating options on how to manage this issue. We will let you know how their decisions have
an impact on Marston students. In the
meantime, teachers and school staff will focus on instruction and work to
provide students with their regular schedule.
If you know of a
Marston family that is in need of assistance due to the fires in San Diego County,
or if your own family needs assistance, the students and staff at Marston Middle School are eager to help. Please let us know how we can do that by
e-mailing me directly at ecook@sandi.net.
Elizabeth Cook
Principal
