Honesty and Moving Forward: Update 8-22-20
Most Carlsbad students will begin their online schooling for this year on Monday, Aug. 24, and there is still a great deal of concern about how things will go even during the first few weeks. Superintendent Dr. Gerry Washburn issued a very honest letter to the public on Friday listing many of the realistic challenges. There are internet connectivity issues, both here and across the country. There is also a great deal of uncertainty about whether a hybrid model will be activated in a few weeks, or if we will have to utilize online learning for the semester. Most importantly, there are challenges of making sure that students make some sort of connection in the midst of these unique circumstances.
Dr. Washburn concludes his letter by encouraging parents to reach out directly to educators at their child’s school when there are problems. The teachers and principals with Carlsbad Municipal schools did not create this problem or the situation they are facing. Please support our schools in every way possible.
As another reminder, the schedule for sports has also been modified this year. Currently, fall golf, cross country and volleyball are set to begin in October, while basketball and swim season starts in January. Soccer and football then begin in February, with all other sports set to kick off on April 5.
As is the case with everything else these days, dates are subject to change. Local coaches all realize that they need to be flexible.
On Aug. 7, the City of Carlsbad submitted its application for CARES Act Relief Funds to the State of New Mexico. Local governments applied in order for their area’s businesses to then be able to apply for New Mexico Small Business Continuity Grants. We had originally anticipated knowing how much funding this had received by Aug. 21, but we were informed Friday that the selection process is still going on. We will let you know as soon as we have additional information.
We held a small ribbon cutting opening for the new gazebo behind the Pecos River Village Conference Center on Friday. There’s a beautiful walkway past beds of flowers leading up to the gazebo that makes it ideal for weddings. Mosaic Potash helped with a donation that made this gazebo possible in honor of the company’s anniversary. Thanks to Paul Gill and Mosaic again for being such amazing community partners.
Finally, two talented local Carlsbad musicians, J.D. Strait (AKA Danny Fletcher) and Mike Ybarra (the lead guitar player for STRANDED) recently put out a great new song titled “Chasing Fireflies”. The song was produced by Pershing Wells. You can check it out their song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWvK6_fVr4o. Great work everyone.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway