The 4 Emails Music Teachers Need to Send Before School Ends

As we enter the final phases of this "school year" it is time to begin planning for the fall. In order to ensure the integrity of our programs, we must become actively engaged in the decision-making process. The next four emails will help you do just that. As always, these are templates. You can copy and paste as is, or modify to suit your individual situation better.

The content of this post is from Scott Lang 's most recent webinar entitled " It's Time to Talk; Uncomfortable Conversations in Unconventional Times " and is being used with permission.

EMAIL #1: To site administrators: (Send to all admin)

Dear Admin Team:

The last 10 weeks have shown us all that running a school without students is twice the work and half of the fun. As we approach the end of the school year, please know that I appreciate each and every one of you.

As our district, community, and country begin the discussions related to reopening our schools, we will be facing a whole new set of conditions, obstacles, and problems. And while our students will return, it will likely be under very different circumstances.

As a program director who will be impacted by these decisions, I would like to be a part of those discussions. Since our last conversation, I have been actively researching the potential obstacles and possible solutions associated with running not just my program, but schools in general. Furthermore, I have been engaging with my peers, on a both local and national level, to ensure that we are on the cutting edge of solution-based decision making when it comes to student safety and school operations.

In short, I am asking that I be a part of the decision making process as to how we reengage and reopen our schools. I believe that my research, experience, and active parent group can be a great asset and resource during this process. Is there a time we can schedule a meeting, or is there an ongoing committee/discussion group that I can join?

I want you to know that I am a member of this faculty first and a music teacher second, and I want to help our students and school move forward through and past these turbulent times. I look forward to hearing back and working with you.

Sincerely,

(insert name)

EMAIL #2: Email to Parents/Guardians

Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends, and Families:

I hope this email finds you happy, healthy, and SANE! Being cooped up in a small space with a teen is tricky at best and a nightmare at worst. Just know that I would GLADLY take your kids off your hands if I could.

I wanted you to know that I am beginning to engage with our administrative and district team about the return of students to our buildings and the challenges that are present, specifically relating to music. Student safety is at the center of every decision we make, and you should know that we are taking every action possible to protect your children. We are also working to ensure that your student gets as much of the "high school experience" as possible, including music.

As more specific information becomes available, I will reach back out to share. In the meantime, If there is anything that specifically concerns you or action you would like to see us take that would make you feel safe about sending your child back to making music, please reach out to me. I am available and open to all ideas.

Very soon, we will know more about when and how we will be reopening our schools and as soon as that happens, I will be in touch. Until then, hang in there, know that I will have your students out from under your feet and back to making music as soon and as safely as I can.

Sincerely,

(insert name)

Email #3: Email to Your Governing Board/Superintendent

Dear Board Member/Superintendent (Insert name):

The last 10 weeks have shown us all that running a school without students is twice the work and half of the fun. As we approach the end of the school year, please know that I appreciate you and the work you are doing to ensure student safety and instructional continuity.

As our district, community, and country begin the discussions related to reopening our schools, we are facing a whole new set of conditions, obstacles, and problems. And while our students will return, we all know that it will likely be under different circumstances.

I want you to know that I believe that music is more important than ever for our students. Music and the arts are not just creative outlets; they are safe spaces and facilitators for social-emotional learning. Our students will return with gaps in their academic learning and emotional growth and every study known shows that music can help with both areas.

As we engage in making the hard decisions, safety comes first, but it is important to remember that emotional and mental health issues are going to be every bit as problematic and physical health. Our art and music programs will serve a vital role in coping with emotional issues related to the ongoing pandemic.

Music is not like English class, and I am sure you have concerns related to the "how" we teach music in this new environment. I want you to know I have been collaborating with my colleagues on a local, state and national level to address potential obstacles and provide real solutions that will allow our students to return to making music safely.

In short, I believe that music must be a part of our educational offerings and assure you that it can be done in a safe and meaningful way.

I want you to know that I am here to support you in whatever capacity you need. I am a member of this district first , and a music teacher second. I would like to be an active part of helping our students and school move forward through and past these turbulent times.

I appreciate you and join you in looking forward to a time when our students are back where they belong.

With great sincerity,

(insert name)

Email #4 to Seniors (I would not text this and would CC the parents/guardians)

Dear Seniors,

How odd you must be feeling right now. 50% of you is ECSTATIC that you are graduating. The other 50% is SAD that it is happening with such little Pomp and Circumstance (a little director humor there). Honestly, I am feeling a little victimized myself. I am sad that I don't get to be by your side and celebrate YOU! Yes, celebrate YOU! Not just as a musician but as the young person I adore.

Please know that this is NOT our finé. It is is just a brief intermission. Trust me when I say we will see each other again, and we will celebrate you.

For now, stay healthy, keep a positive attitude, and remember that your academic achievement has been diminished one bit by this pandemic, just the party. YOU DID IT, and the pandemic can never take that away from you!

I will be in touch as more information becomes available about how and when we can get together. Until then CONGRATULATIONS!

Your former high school music teacher,

(insert name)