As many of you know, the past two weeks have been eventful here at the Central Cambria Middle/High School campus. As a result, today's attendance was well below our normal levels. However, for the students who came to school today, we made our best effort to make it worth their time. We began the day with increased security procedures as students came into school. From there, we took a census of the number of students in attendance. Once we knew the numbers we would be working with, our student council advisors came up with an impromptu plan of activities for the day. We had what amounted to a Fun Friday event during school. Students were allowed to sign up for several activities, including board games, playing sports in the gym, a crafts room, and a computer room. We held two sessions of these activities. We then had lunch in the courtyard adjacent to the cafeteria since it was a beautiful, sunny day, which our students were able to enjoy. In the afternoon the kids went to the gym to watch a movie, followed by some games and dismissal from school. I believe that those who came had one of their most enjoyable days of the school year.
I want to thank our teachers for their assistance in coming to school early this morning to assist with our increased security procedures, their flexibility in planning, facilitating, and leading activities throughout the day, and their leadership in making our students feel safe and secure at school. I also want to thank our local and state law enforcement agencies for their presence, visibility, and cooperation.
Today was not a story about some rogue criminal disrupting the school environment, inciting panic and fear, and bringing the educational process to a standstill. Today was a story of cooperation, or maintaining normalcy in abnormal conditions, of coming together as a team and doing what is best for the students of Central Cambria. I am proud of the team we have assembled at the Middle School, and of the groups who have assisted us in the past days and weeks. I look forward to the remaining 22 days of the school year.
