Coronavirus Update: March 11, 2020
Dear Community Members,
Our schools continue to operate, and we remain focused on maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all students, faculty and staff. There was an increase in attendance today, with more students back in school today than yesterday. Of course, we continue to monitor the situation closely, speaking with and taking guidance from our health partners at the State and local levels.
Extensive Remote Learning Plan Developed in the Event of School Closure
While nothing replaces the classroom experience, I am encouraged by the remote learning plans we have put in place should we be advised to close our schools. Teachers, instructional coaches, and department chairs have mobilized quickly and extensively to develop the plans, remaining true to our District's mission of engaging students with authentic and meaningful learning experiences, while at the same time paying close attention to the emotional needs and abilities of our students. All teachers system-wide have been trained on Screencastify to be able to record daily video messages for communications with parents and students. At the secondary level, our technology team is ensuring that all students and families will be equipped with devices and have internet access for communications and learning. You will hear more about these plans shortly.
Providing Meals for Free and Reduced Lunch Students
With an eye towards providing our students who are currently eligible for free and reduced meals the opportunity to pick up bagged breakfasts and lunches daily should schools be closed longer than 24 hours, we have been working with our food service provider, Aramark, to develop and implement a plan for satellite service. We have identified sites, including Hommocks Middle School, Mamaroneck Ave. School and St. Thomas Episcopal Church and are in the process of communicating with eligible families.
Home-School Connection Web Page
We have created a Home-School Connection page on our website that I believe will be helpful to parents and students if our schools need to close. This web page will provide information for families on how to maintain daily contact with teachers, which will be important for all grades, but particularly for students in the elementary grades.
If you haven't had a chance yet to do so, I hope you will take a moment to read, "Schools Are Closing for Coronavirus. Now What? Education may be disrupted, but that doesn't mean our kids have to lose out" from yesterday's parenting section of the New York Times. As I reflect on our teachers in this district and the amazing collaboration, strength and spirit that they demonstrate each day, I realize how aligned this piece is with our goals and teachers' efforts to find out-of-the-box ways to support kids during this unsettling and disruptive time.
I am extraordinarily grateful for our teachers, and you, our supportive community members!
Respectfully,
Dr. Robert I. Shaps
Superintendent of Schools