March 24 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

Tomorrow marks one full week since we began this distance learning adventure. While we expect these experiences to become more and more meaningful as we all become acclimated to new tools and techniques, we were thrilled to hear very positive feedback from our teachers about their engagement with students during virtual office hours. In addition to hosting these real-time sessions, our faculty, staff and administrators are engaged in multiple daily meetings to support the ongoing development of the distance learning program as well as attend to the social-emotional needs of students. We hope that the interactions students have with their teachers are beginning to provide structure and comfort to all involved. 

While many students may not attend office hours sessions tomorrow, the current schedule allows time on Wednesdays for clinicians and elementary interventionists to provide support directly to students on their caseload at a time that does not conflict with other classes. Throughout the day, the remainder of our faculty and staff will continue lesson planning, curriculum development and technology training. 

The work our teachers are doing is a major part of the new educational equation. Yet we recognize that the other part of that equation is the parents and caregivers that are managing the needs of their families at home. We are extremely thankful to those who are rising to the occasion daily to help their children with school work, triage issues with technology and help keep our students focused and attentive during their learning activities. 

We continue to track and adjust to a variety of changes that are occurring with regard to testing and student achievement. To that end, high school parents whose children are enrolled in AP courses should  review this information about the testing schedule. We anticipate more information to be forthcoming from the Department of Education related to Regents Exams and other important changes to academic requirements. 

There is no question that we've all been dealt a difficult situation, but as the days go by, I'm confident that we will adapt and move forward together. Thank you for your continued support.

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.

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.