April 12 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

Good evening and Happy Easter to those who are celebrating. The joy this holiday brings has certainly found a new richness as it focuses our eyes on hope of a brighter future. Tomorrow, we will continue our Distance Learning efforts following the schedules that were piloted April 1-3. This model was developed to offer a mix of live sessions for students to interact with their teachers and provide curated lessons, content and assignments spanning all subject areas that we believe will provide structure and help students progress in their learning. As a reminder, both the elementary and middle school/high school schedules begin at 9am. More information is available in our recently created Distance Learning Guide for Parents. 

We believe that providing these live sessions is important both for the learning process and to maintain the social connections that are a significant part of the regular classroom experience. For this model to be effective for everyone, it is essential that students participate responsibly and appropriately, just as would be expected if our buildings were open. Please keep in mind that the District's Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy for technology remain in effect in this virtual learning environment. Additionally, please note the guidelines below that specifically apply to live learning sessions:

• Synchronous/live online sessions are intended for teachers to meet with their students. Parents should not participate in these experiences by asking questions or logging in via a secondary device

• Parents should supervise and monitor the behavior of younger students, to the extent practicable

• Students and/or parents should refrain from recording or photo taking during online sessions due to personal privacy issues

• Students and/or parents should not post photos or video of online learning to social media

• Students are expected to maintain complete security of their school accounts and are not permitted share their account information or class links with anyone other than their parents

• Students may not behave in a manner that would disrupt any online session through audio, video, off-topic or inappropriate chat, or any other means

• Students may not use the "present" function to share their screen without permission from the teacher

• Students must mute their microphones when requested to do so by the teacher

• Students must leave the Google Meet when synchronous sessions end 

• Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity during online learning and to not engage in cheating, plagiarism, or assisting other students without teacher approval

• Any student found in violation of the Code of Conduct, Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), PMHS/PMS Student Handbook or any of these provisions, jeopardizes their privilege to participate in future online learning and may be assigned to alternate means of education

• Parents and students should contact the classroom teacher, Principal, or Assistant Principal by email with any questions or concerns.

Please know that we understand the difficulties that this pandemic has placed on all of our families. By continuing to work together and modeling good digital behavior, we will slowly but surely settle into new routines that will provide meaningful education for our students under these difficult circumstances. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support in this endeavor. 

In closing, I want to wish all of our students, parents, faculty and staff the best of health and  look forward to an engaging week of learning. 

Sincerely,

Cheryl H. Champ
Superintendent of Schools

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Social Distancing Guidelines

• Stay home as much as possible, even if you feel healthy
• Refrain from congregating in groups and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others
• Refrain from social gatherings, playdates and sleepovers with friends
• Do not visit public playgrounds
• Use caution when visiting grocery stores/pharmacies and consider delivery services for food and groceries.
• Consider covering your nose and mouth with a cloth or mask when you leave home. 
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

Contact Information for Social Workers and Student Assistance Counselor

Our social workers and student assistance counselor continue to be available to support those who are experiencing hardships and need assistance. Please feel free to contact: 

• Kristin Quintano, Social Worker, 914-738-3434 x1295
• Sharon Charles, Social Worker, 914-738-8190 x1218
• Kelley-Anne Lonergan, Student Assistance Counselor, 914-738-8182

Information on Community Organizations Offering Assistance 

Additionally, organizations such as Pelham Together, the Junior League of Pelham and our faith community have offered their assistance with those families with a variety of needs, including food, child care, and other demands of day-to-day life. The Pelham Civic Association is also available for families that have fallen on hard times due to this pandemic. Please feel free to reach out in confidentiality for potential assistance to Richard Davidian, Vice President, Community programs at Richard.Davidian1@gmail.com (914-552-0872) or Dr. Stan Trocchia, Chairman, Good Neighbors program Goodneighbors@pelhamcivics.org.