As we will soon conclude our 2019-2020 school year, I wanted to offer my thanks to our parents and West Jeff community for their support and perseverance during this most unusual and difficult time.  When our year began last August no one could have imagined the prospect of going through a pandemic and the changes it would have on our lives and our educational system.

       We have been adapting and adjusting, literally week to week.  Our E-learning has generally been very effective.  However, we know that nothing can replace the actual experience of being in school with your teachers and classmates.  This is particularly true for our kids who may not have the same resources in technology that others do.  That is why we are very much looking forward to school resuming next year in some manner.

       I would not wish to mislead anyone regarding what school will be like next year, although I think I can say with certainty that it will be different.  Even the “new normal” is a term that lacks a proper definition.  I can assure you that we are already working hard to put together various scenarios that are feasible to begin school again in some fashion.

       I would expect E-learning will remain a viable option or part of our offerings.  It’s also possible that in order to reduce class sizes and keep some form of social distancing we may have students attend on different days.  It is too early to predict the direction we may receive from the health experts and the Governor.

       However, we are excited about the prospects of getting our students back in school.  Our students need this, our parents need this and so does our society.  I know there will be challenges next year that will be unlike anything we have ever faced.  We will do our best to combine safety with the kind of educational rigor our students deserve.

       As we all learn more this summer we will be sharing with you more detailed plans regarding our opening of schools.  I would like to congratulate our 2020 graduating seniors.  Obviously their year has not been what was expected.  We will do our best to honor them with a virtual ceremony and an in-person diploma pick up.  Thanks again for your continued support.

                                                                                William Mullet

                                                                                Superintendent of Schools