Dear Community Members,
Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced that all schools throughout New York will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. He advised districts to begin preparing reopening plans for the fall and previously stated that the State Education Department would be convening a statewide task force -- made up of superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, school board members, and other stakeholders -- to guide districts on a reopening strategy. The Governor said he will make an announcement about regularly scheduled summer school programs by the end of the month.
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused extreme difficulties and impact well beyond what anyone could have ever predicted, and when schools reopen, we will again face new, unprecedented circumstances and challenges in our efforts to reorient students and attend to all students' social and emotional needs. The pandemic will likely influence how we teach, learn and interact in the future, so reimagining school and considering how we return to on-site instruction (social distancing, masks, monitoring the spread of the virus, preparing for a potential hybrid learning environment that includes distance learning, etc.) will be key. Community members will be a part of the planning process, and we will be sure to share and communicate important details as plans are developed.
Meanwhile, in the near-term, we will continue to assess every aspect of our remote learning program (focusing on lessons learned) as a means to enhance learning and prioritize connection between teachers and students in a digital environment. Our food service provider will continue with meal preparation and distribution of breakfasts and lunches to community members in need.
Despite the uncertainties that still exist, we can be certain of one thing: Mamaroneck will ALWAYS rise to the occasion. We have seen people step up in extraordinary ways during this public health crisis. Echoing the Board's sentiments from their letter today, I could not be more proud of our Mamaroneck teachers and faculty members and of our entire Mamaroneck- Larchmont community for the care that everybody has shown for one another. We are indeed fortunate, and we will grow stronger.
I hope you enjoy the weekend, and we will look forward to communicating more next week.
Regards,
Dr. Robert I. Shaps
Superintendent of Schools