2020 Virtual Block Party

WATCH: A message from Principal Casey van Harssel.

Hello there East Rochester Jr./Sr. High School community.

One of the typical highlights to the start of a school year is our annual Open House Block Party. It has always been a great time to bring families and staff together to learn and share all the exciting things happening in our classrooms. Like many things, COVID-19 has forced us to change the format of our block party.

Our staff has created short introductory videos to introduce themselves and the learning that will occur within their classrooms this year. Parents and students are encouraged to watch the videos together, in much the same way students and parents would stop and meet with each teacher under the tents during our annual block party.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a few thank yous. Thank you to the teachers who are leading and teaching in ways they have never had to before. Providing quality and meaningful learning opportunities to in-person and remote learners on a daily basis is a mammoth undertaking that the teachers are navigating with professionalism and passion. Thank you to parents who are supporting their children in ways they have never had to before, all while still juggling life's other obligations. Lastly, thank you to the students who are having to become more independent and responsible for their learning than ever before. Outside of their academic growth, students have been inspirational in their understanding of their role to make our re-entry plan a success and their overall resilience to make this year as positive as can be.

It is an honor to serve as the Jr./Sr. High School Principal. Take care and stay safe.

Casey van Harssel, Ed.D.