JROTC SY 21-22

Parents/Guardians/Cadets and Faculty,

The SBHS JROTC leadership really appreciates all the hard work and dedication every family and professional is giving towards adapting to this COVID-19 environment and challenge.  It is certainly a very unique time for us all, and requires different approaches and non-traditional thinking to accomplish our JROTC Program objectives, while keeping all Cadets safe.

VERY IMPORTANT:  The JROTC Curriculum WILL BE taught this fall semester, either on-line/virtually and/or in the classroom. JROTC is a Nationally Accredited Curriculum that is much more than only parades, carwashes, or
physical activities, drilling, etc. Our new JROTC Curriculum Manager version 3 (CMv3) is particularly adapted to on-line instruction.

JROTC SAFETY GUIDANCE: JROTC will follow SBHS's and BPSB's COVID-19 guidance, particularly on social distancing, masks, sanitation, transportation restrictions, after-school activities, etc.  

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:  If SBHS cancels all after-school activities and sports, then that will also apply to JROTC (our PT teams, Drill teams, meets, camps etc.)  If SBHS has restricted transportation to events, JROTC will abide by our leaders guidance. Check with our principal if you are in doubt on any situation.
 
JROTC EVALUATIONS: JROTC evaluations are scheduled for March 24, 2021. These evaluations are essential and Cadet led and will require some challenging preparations. Our higher Army headquarters (brigade) are exploring ways to possibly conduct the EVALS or parts of it, on a case-by-case basis, on-line or virtually with the school.  For instance, Cadet and Instructor portfolios could be reviewed by brigade on-line or electronically, to minimize the time needed for an actual visit, given the school is holding classes in
their school building.  More to follow.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX APPROACHES: Due to COVID-19 we will have to actively explore ways to still accomplish the JROTC objectives in different ways; however, the plan is to require our Cadets to still put on the JROTC uniform once each week.  Those not attending school traditionally, the Cadet must submit a photo of himself/herself in correct uniform while holding some specific item announced for that week, like an apple or pencil.  Another example is conducting a virtual community service project, where Cadets read a school approved children's book that is then shared along with others to a local elementary school doing on-line classes, as well.  These types of non-traditional approaches to JROTC will still facilitate accomplishing our mission. 

Again, thank you for your outstanding support to our JROTC Program.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact CSM Edwards and I/or myself.