Good morning to everyone in the Walter Panas community.  I just wanted to reach out and connect with all of you as we all try and embrace this new version of reality.  I know there are many questions and concerns, many of which will be answered in the coming days and weeks. Before I get into anything specific, let me say that on behalf of the entire faculty and staff we miss you and hope to see you very soon.  In the meantime if anyone needs anything, please do not hesitate to email a teacher, staff member, administrator, including me, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. 

Right now, there are a few important, specific items I want to cover:

1. If you have not already done so it is very important that you join your teachers in Google Classroom to keep up with your school work and, even more important, to stay connected to your teachers and peers.  I know there are lots of questions about instruction, including how your work will be graded. I hope to have some clear answers very soon. Again, in the meantime, follow your teacher’s guidelines through Google classroom.

2. Some of you have asked about access to the school building.  I do not have any answers about that today. If something changes, I will be in touch through our website, Remind, and social media.  If you have not done so you can sign up for Remind by texting 81010 with the message @panasst for students and @panaspar for parents.  

3. AP students - All AP exams will be offered in a computer -based format.  Each exam will be 45 minutes and free-response. There will be no multiple choice questions.  The dates for these exams will be published sometime around April 3rd. There will be two options - an earlier option and a later option.  Also, the exam will not cover any content beyond March, or beyond the first 75% of the curriculum in the course. If you do not want to participate in this option you can get a refund.  Again, more details will soon follow. Also, there will be remote instruction for AP courses through the Collegeboard, with some minor exceptions, beginning this Wednesday, March 25th. Please visit www.collegeboard.org for more information.

4. Finally, this experience can be a stressful and isolating one.  Please do your best to stay connected to friends, peers and family through technology.  However, please do not ignore the social distancing guidelines that have been established. To anyone who needs assistance, we are here for you, even if it is remotely.  Feel free to reach out to a counselor, social worker, or administrator and we will help in any way that we can.  

I know this is a huge challenge but in some ways it can be a unique opportunity to find some focus, clarity and common ground for all of us.  I will continue to send out messages when I can. We all miss you and look forward to seeing you soon.

Mr. Spero