![drawing of birds]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1586548128/pelhamschoolsorg/l8e2uzo4bynuntfwbl5x/birds.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1586548128/pelhamschoolsorg/l8e2uzo4bynuntfwbl5x/birds.jpg","width":300}])
Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,
While many in our community are observing this somber Good Friday, we are also cognizant of the sadness that we felt this past week for both our school district and the Pelham community as we learned about the passing of retired Latin Teacher Larry Ryan and former Board of Education Trustee Tom Imperato. While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Ryan, the sentiments shared by our faculty, former board members, former students and parents paint the picture of an extraordinary teacher who touched the lives of many students over his 29 years at PMHS. His incredible legacy will continue to live on through the Lawrence C. Ryan Prize, which is awarded each year to a graduating senior.
Mr. Imperato was a long-time Pelham resident who served on the Board from 2013 until 2018. During that time he was instrumental in the development of the 2018 Bond referendum, which we are seeing come to fruition at the Hutchinson School and Glover Complex as we speak. In addition to his service to our school district, he was a member of the Pelham Civic Association and an active participant in the life of our community for many years. I am personally thankful to have known Tom, and am grateful for everything he did for our Town and students. The nature of this pandemic has made grieving all the more difficult, as we cannot gather to share one another's burdens and offer comfort and support in the ways we most need at these difficult times. I ask that you join me in keeping the Ryan and Imperato families in your thoughts and prayers during this season of life.
As we grapple with illness and losses such as these, and as we continue to practice social distancing, it remains all the more important that we stay connected to neighbors, friends and family throughout Pelham. To that end, I continue to be humbled by the incredible efforts of our partnering organizations including Pelham Together and the PTA Council. These two organizations have joined together to create the Pelham 1-2-3 campaign, which encourages residents to reach out virtually or with a note to those whom they haven't been in contact with to check in and spread joy to others. Please visit the Pelham Together website to learn more.
In closing, I want to wish a Happy Easter to all who are celebrating on Sunday. While holidays are certain to feel very different under these circumstances, they remain a time to be together as family and a community to the extent that we can. I continue to believe that we will find our way through this crisis by supporting one another and know that our community will always do just that. Please enjoy a restful weekend.
Sincerely,
Cheryl H. Champ
Superintendent of Schools
--
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.
- #health
