Every day is a VICTORY. Every day that we get to come to school and do this thing face to face without having to shut down, is a victory. And the amazing part about it is, is that we’re doing it together. 

I am humbled by the extra lengths everyone is willing to go to in order to be together. Administration didn’t take a break this summer; they worked straight through to make sure that we had a re-opening plan that keeps our students, families,  and  staff  safe.  Custodial staff moved whole classrooms, facing twice the work they normally do without even flinching. Now, they continue that same pace, sanitizing every 90 minutes to ensure that surfaces are not contaminated. Office staff diligently works, tolerating last minute changes and tasks that ultimately create more work for them as well. And the teachers are doing double duty. Yep, double duty - teaching both face to face and virtual at the same time. They were offered a virtual coordinator to handle this for them, but they said, “No. They’re our students and we want to take care of ourselves.” Wow. How completely selfless. We still use Mrs. Priske as our coordinator as a back up, but for the most part, teachers are doing all of this on their own. And not only are they teaching extra, learning new programs to facilitate online learning, but they also have students social distance and sanitize their desks at the end of every class. 

We could not do what we do if it weren’t for parents. THANK YOU for sending us your children.  Thank you for instilling the character traits your children need to make school successful. Thank you for being patient with new safety guidelines and rules. Thank you for making sure your children have masks and sanitizer. Thank you for working with us, not against us. Together, we can provide the best experiences for your children.

Our students make me so proud! I’ve been able to greet them with temperature checks in the morning, and they are so positive and happy. It’s awesome!  Students - the vast majority of you make me darn proud as I see you putting others first, scrupulously observing our common-sense and very necessary guidelines. Thank you for not gathering in large groups, for wearing your masks, for watching your distance, and for washing your hands. I realize that these changes for our students  have not been easy, especially when they look at the world around them and see that not everyone has the same consideration about being safe. Our students have  learned how to be the bigger person and rise above. They have learned that a hard right is always better than an easy wrong. These have not been easy times for our children, but I truly believe they have gained strength and resilience through this experience that will better prepare them for the future. I am darn  proud and grateful to be a part of it.

Even though every day is a victory and I am doing the happy dance at the end of the day (because we beat COVID for another day, not because it is over), we still need to stay vigilant about safety guidelines if we are going to stay open. I urge everyone to continue to step up. We need to continue to be committed to each other and our school community. Thank you for continuing to do your part. We got this, Green Lake!

Cathy Moore

7-12 Principal 

 moorec@glsd.k12.wi.us.