April 21 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members, 

Wednesday promises to be a busy day for the Pelham Public Schools and has all the markings of a "normal" day of business, albeit in this new virtual environment. Following the conclusion of our distance learning school day, Pelham families are encouraged to join us at 4:30pm for a virtual Earth Day STEAM celebration. This event, which is being organized by the Pelham Science Department in collaboration with the Junior League of Pelham, will feature a variety of activities and experiments for K-5 families that can be completed in real-time during the event or later on at your leisure. Please visit the District website for more information and the link to view via Youtube Live. 

A little bit later at 7pm, I encourage everyone to step outside and make some noise as we celebrate and thank our first responders and frontline healthcare workers as part of the "Tell 'Em You're From Pelham @ 7" campaign! This campaign, which launches tomorrow night, will continue each night going forward and I know that the Pelham community will turn out to recognize these heroic individuals. 

Then, at 8:15pm, the Board of Education will hold its third virtual meeting. At this meeting, the Board will continue its discussions on the 2020-21 budget and implementation of projects in the 2018 capital improvement bond, and will also be joined by the District's financial consultant, Rick Ganci of Capital Markets Advisors. Please view the full meeting notice on the District website for more information, including how to view the meeting. 

In closing, I want to wish those who observe a peaceful Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, for the Jewish people. On this day, we can all reflect not just on the tremendous pain and loss suffered because of the Holocaust, but also on everything that we have to be thankful for as we face great uncertainty during this pandemic. Despite the difficulties we face, whether it is battling illness, economic distress, or fear of the unknown, it is important to remember that we all have much to be hopeful for in our lives. Like so many tragedies that preceded us in history, this too shall pass.  

Sincerely,

Cheryl H. Champ

Superintendent of Schools

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Distance Learning Parent Surveys

• Gr. K-5 Parent Survey

• Gr. 6-8 Parent Survey

• Gr. 9-12 Parent Survey

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.