Winter weather, multiple power outages disrupt school schedule
Students have not attended their seventh period classes in over a week.
Snow caused school cancellation Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10, as well as a delayed opening Wednesday, Dec. 11. Wednesday’s schedule was further disrupted by a power outage that occurred toward the end of fifth period. Students were unable to report to their seventh period classes because of the blackout, and thus remained in their fifth period classrooms for the rest of the school day.
School went according to schedule Thursday, Dec. 12 and classes appeared to be back on track, until the power failed again during third period Friday, Dec. 13 at 11: 15 a.m.
Seahawks were unable to leave their third period classrooms until the power was restored at approximately 12: 35 p.m. Students then moved to their fifth period room assignments and were served lunch in the cafeteria in shortened time increments. They were dismissed from their fifth period classes when the bell rang at 2: 10 p.m.
Principal Kim Retzer reflected on the past week’s events and announced changes to the Seahawk Seminar schedule for Monday, Dec. 16 and Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the following email sent to South Lakes families Friday night:
A message from SOUTH LAKES HS
Dear Seahawk Parents and Students:
This has been quite a week with interruptions due to both weather and electrical power issues. In reflecting on the amount of instructional time lost over the past week, a decision has been made to make two changes to next week’s schedule. The following were announced to students via the PA system Friday afternoon:
- On Monday, Seahawk Seminar is periods 6 & 5. Teachers may use Seahawk Seminar period 5 to make-up for lost instructional time and move forward with teaching new curriculum or doing activities.
- On Wednesday, 7th period classes will meet during Seahawk Seminar time (8:57 – 10:22). This will be class time, not seminar time. The schedule for Wednesday will be periods 2, 7, 6, 8. The handful of students who have academy classes outside of the building will be considered excused from the 7thperiod class but will need to make up the work. Any academy students who return during the middle of this time block should report to their 7th period class so they don’t miss the whole block.
I do want to thank our staff and students for their cooperation during the two power outages this week. Please know that the safety of our students and staff is always our priority. When we deal with situations, no matter how serious, our first priority is always safety and security. Your cooperation in letting the staff keep focused on that is appreciated.
I was very appreciative that Dr. Zuluaga, Cluster VIII Superintendent, came to South Lakes during the outage on Friday to assess the situation and facilitate communications with FCPS leadership team members. The decision to release a school early is made at the county level and involves many factors.
Next week is our last week of school for 2013! Barring any unforeseen interruptions, it is a full week of school (Friday is not an early release day). Please enjoy the weekend, stay safe and warm!
Kim Retzer
Principal
