Help Us Plan for Next School Year

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

Our administrative team has been hard at work planning for a variety of possibilities and contingencies with regard to the reopening of school in the fall. This work is complex and we are considering a number of factors, including health and safety, logistics, scheduling, educational programs, technology, social-emotional needs, budget, and communications. 

As we begin this work, it is important that we hear from our community stakeholders and we ask that you take a few minutes to share your ideas using Thoughtexchange. This tool, which we previously used to solicit feedback on our Strategic Plan and in developing leadership profiles for the PMHS and Siwanoy principal positions, allows us to pose an open ended question to which you can provide anonymous feedback. Users can then see the comments of others and express their level of alignment with them by assigning stars to the thoughts that have been submitted. This technology enables all voices to be heard and brings those ideas around which there is the most agreement to the surface. 

We ask that you take a few minutes to access Thoughtexchange (no login required), and provide your thoughts on the following question: "What are your biggest concerns as the district develops our reopening plan for this fall?" Then, please begin rating the thoughts of others. While it is not necessary to rate all thoughts, we do ask that you try to do so for at least 30 as this will help ensure that the results are meaningful. 

The Thoughtexchange will remain open until 5pm on Friday, June 19. Our administrative team will then begin analyzing results and will share the findings with the community. 

Thank you all in advance for your participation. In the coming days and weeks, we will be sharing additional information as to how our community can be part of this important planning process.

Sincerely,

Dr. Champ

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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.