May 1 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

As you have likely heard by now, Governor Cuomo has extended the school building closure through the end of this academic year and distance learning will continue throughout the remaining weeks of school. Further decisions about the status of summer programming are expected by the end of May.

Frankly, it seems like yesterday when we first closed our schools and then received word that our buildings would remain vacant for at least a month. Now, as we near two months under this new reality, it is difficult to grasp that it will be even longer before we return to a classroom setting in which we can interact in person with our students and colleagues. We know that parents, students, and teachers alike feel this disappointment, but we must continue to keep our eyes focused on the task at hand, take things day-by-day, and do what is best for our collective health and safety during this pandemic. We continue to plan for the remainder of the school year and intend to provide our students the education they deserve to the best of our abilities. Additionally, we have held numerous discussions with students, parents, and teachers with regard to contingency plans for end-of-year events, particularly for our graduating seniors, and plan to share some of those alternatives next week. 

In preparing for our extended building closure, our administrative team and teachers have spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the results of the distance learning surveys and determining prudent steps to improve the program for all involved. We plan to share the results of these surveys, as well as our plans for moving distance learning forward in the early part of next week. 

In closing, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that today is National School Principal's Day. Our six building leaders deserve special recognition for the incredible work they have done this year in the face of a crisis that is without precedent. Throughout everything, they have provided clear and consistent leadership for their respective schools and gone above and beyond to restructure our educational environment on the fly. Please join me in thanking them for all the great work that they have done for our students. 

Thank you and please enjoy this lovely spring weather. 

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.
• When maintaining social distancing is not possible, cover 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.