This week we started distance learning for real. Yesterday was the first day of algebra in Google Classroom. The kids are working the small assignments I gave them. We’re being gentle on ourselves, so small is good, and no grades this week is better.
Here is the morning announcement I sent out today.
Hi folks.
It’s Tuesday. Day 2 of Week 3 of not-at-school school. I see people making progress in Google Classroom. That’s awesome. If you need help, leave me a message in Google Classroom, or email me. Keep it up!
(You have joined Google Classroom… right!?)
Meanwhile, I’ve attached a Bill Withers tune for today. I remember when I was in middle school, my Chachi Bette introduced us to him. She knew that we needed to know his music. You do, too.
Bill Withers was not trained as a musician. He worked as a mechanic at a Navy factory when he realized that Lou Rawls was getting paid more for singing music at a local club than Withers was making at the factory. Withers taught himself music, and for eight years, he wrote and sang some amazing songs. And then he left the music business for good.
Bill Withers passed away this week. His music is still amazing and fresh and relevant.
…
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
…Those are some of the words to one of his most iconic songs.
Y’all: when you need a hand, lean on those around you. Lean on other students in class. Or you can lean on me. You know where to find me.
You are awesome.
[And I embedded a video and the lyrics of Bill Withers’s Lean on me.]
Moments later, a student emails this: “Mr. Hasan you like that song? I think it is amazing.”