BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Schools have been closed since March 13 to help curb the spread of COVID-19, but Clarkston High School Principal Gary Kaul found a silver lining in the entire situation.
“If there are a few things I have learned over this past week it’s this, my family and friends are the best, I love this community, I have faith in humanity, I am very proud to be part of such a great organization, and I miss school and our students,” Kaul said in a letter to high school families. “What a difference a few weeks can make.”
Administration, teachers, and staff have been working every day to help students and each other, he said.
“The rules of the game – a sports reference, remember sports? – have changed overnight and our CCS staff has stepped up to the challenge,” Kaul said. “I wish our community could see the sheer amount of work and effort our teachers and support staff have put into providing a quality education from a virtual platform. Our goals are to continue to support the academic, health/well-being, and social/emotional needs of our students, all while the playing field keeps changing.”
Through all of the changes since March 13, Kaul is confident the schools will be back on track when the time is right – and safe.
“These are uncertain times and uncharted territory,” he said. “However, out of tragedy comes hope. If necessity is the mother of invention, the work we do now will only serve to make us stronger in the long run.”
And as the class of 2020 is missing out on its final days, Kaul noted not all is lost.
“Seniors, you have been robbed of what should have been the best few months in your young lives – full of joy, celebration, and hope for the future,” Kaul said. “Please know that our future focus is to determine methods by which you can recapture some of what you have lost. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
According to current state executive orders, public schools will remain closed until April 14. For updated information, check Clarkston.k12.mi.us.