Dear Cavalier Families,
Welcome to a new school year. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community as the Superintendent of Jenkins Independent.
I have worked in the education field in many different roles for a number of years. After graduating from Jenkins in 1993 and completing college, I worked as a teacher for seven years in the areas of high school Social Studies and in Alternative Education settings. I spent the last sixteen years as the Director of Technology for Jenkins Independent. Jenkins has educated not only me, but also my mother and my children. As a part of the Jenkins community, I am uniquely invested and have a strong desire to make our district the best it can be.
As Superintendent, my first order of business is to develop a plan for opening school. We currently face many uncertainties for the upcoming 20-21 school year. As of today, our opening day for students is scheduled for August 19th. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, district leadership staff are evaluating both state and local guidance to ensure that we provide our students and staff with the safest possible learning environment. Because of this, several options for beginning school are being considered, including:
· a later start date for students
· non-traditional instruction (virtual/online learning)
· an A-B schedule for students (smaller groups on different days)
· hybrid models (combination of in-person and online learning)
Any and all plans for the upcoming school year will strictly adhere to state guidelines and will be made with input and approval from the health department. It is our goal to have plans in place by mid-July and I will share these plans as soon as they are available. Please understand that as guidance changes, our plans may have to change.
Regardless of the obstacles we face, rest assured that I am dedicated to giving our students and community the school that they deserve. Education has been called the Great Equalizer and, as such, can give our children opportunities to grow and succeed beyond their wildest imagination. I ask for your support in creating an atmosphere in where education is valued.
Thank you for trusting us with your children.
Sincerely,
Damian Johnson, Superintendent
7/1/2020