Hey friends:
As I mentioned four weeks ago, in times of uncertainty it is essential to communicate continually, even when you don't have all of the answers. Although most schools have implemented online instruction protocols, it does not fill the void left by the weeks of solitude, devoid of social interaction.
Similar to my previous email, I have written four sample emails for you. You can copy and paste as is, or modify to suit your situation better. I just want to be of service in some small way.
I hope this helps.
The recent video We Rest was designed specifically to help you communicate a message of hope and triumph during these difficult times. Consider sharing the video along with your email to convey a message of hope and triumph along with your text. We have even had principals sending it to their entire school communities.
EMAIL #1: To Administrators: (Send to all admin, even district level Fine Arts coordinators)
Dear Admin Team:
First and foremost, thank you for your leadership during these difficult times. As a member of this faculty and resident of this community, I want you to know that I appreciate your efforts more than you know.
The sudden pivot to online and distant learning has been an abrupt and unwelcome one that has challenged our entire school community to master new skills and teach in new ways, myself included. But that is not the purpose of this email.
As our district, community, and country begin the discussions related to reopening our schools, we will likely be faced with a whole new set of conditions, obstacles, and problems. And while our students will return, it will likely be under different circumstances.
As a program director who will likely be impacted by these decisions, I would very much like to be a part of those discussions. I have spent some time processing through the potential obstacles and believe I can help with possible solutions. In short, I want to be a proactive problem solver who helps our school move through this time and forward into the future.
I want you to know that I am here to support you in whatever capacity you need. I am a member of this faculty first and a music teacher second, and I would like to be an active part of helping our students and school move forward through and past these turbulent times.
Please let me know how I can help.
In service,
(insert name)
EMAIL #2: Email to Parents/Guardians/Supporters/Community Members
Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends, and Families,
As hard as it has been adjusting to life without students on campus, I am sure it has been equally, if not more, difficult for you to adjust to having your kids at home, quarantined, 24/7. In addition to all of your other roles and responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, parenting, working, etc.), you have suddenly become a full time teacher.
I would GLADLY take your kids off your hands if I could.
I wanted to reach out and let you know that as discussions begin as to how and when we reopen our campuses, I am actively working with our administration team to develop solutions that will ensure student safety but also minimize the impact to our program.
There will be changes. There will be adjustments. But there will also be MUSIC.
As more specific information becomes available, I will reach back out and share it with you. In the meantime, please know that I am thinking of, and thankful for, you. You are more than a "band" parent, you are someone who is showing your children what grace under fire looks like.
Well most days. :)
Hang in there and I will have your students out from under your feet and back making music as soon as I can.
Sincerely,
(insert name)
Email #3: Email to Student Leaders (can be texted as well)
Hey students,
First and foremost, let me say that I miss you all and look forward to a time when we can all be together again.
Secondly, I am kind of suffering from a case of FOMO (fear of missing out). I am seeing and hearing about all of you texting, chatting, Zooming, Tik Tok(ing), Insta-chatting, etc. (You have to be impressed I could rattle all of those off, right?) I am so happy that you are staying connected.
I know you miss making music, but staying connected and communicating is the most important thing right now. Take five minutes each day and reach out to someone inside our music family, check in, see how they are doing, and let them know you care.
I am working with the administration to plan for the reopening and to ensure that we minimize the disruptions to our program. As I know more, you will know more. But, in the meantime, be nice to your parents, communicate with each other, and STAY HEALTHY. I am trying to do the same. But I am feeling a little sick. I think I have...
FOMO-19. But it goes away, when you come back!
Missing all of you.
(insert name)
Email #4 to Seniors (can be texted as well)
Dear Seniors,
Okoa, this Senior Ditch Day thing has gone on long enough! Sorry, my sad attempt and teacher humor.
This stinks. You are being cheated, robbed of so many experiences that you are deserving of and have rightfully earned after twelve years of hard work. Honestly, I am feeling a little victimized myself. I am sad that I don't get to be by your side and celebrate YOU! Yes, celebrate YOU! Not just as a musician but as a young person.
Yes, I am planning for what's next and what re-opening looks like when it happens. But, as a part of that, I am also planning to celebrate YOU.
As school moves forward, you will not be left behind. I want you to have your final experience. I want it for you and I want it for me.
I do not have all of the details figured out, but when has that ever stopped me?
Stay healthy, keep a positive attitude, and be nice to your parents.
I will be in touch as more information becomes available, but in the meantime, enjoy your extended break and take your horns out every once in a while.
Sincerely,
(insert name)