March 30 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Residents,

Today, all parents should have received an email from your principal(s) with details for the next phase of our Distance Learning plan. This new schedule was designed with balance and flexibility in mind as we seek to move our students learning forward during these unusual times. The schedule was sent to you today so that you have a chance to review it and make the necessary preparations for this shift in learning, but it will not go into effect until this Wednesday, April 1. Some important aspects of the plan are as follows:

• Each school day will begin at 9am. Elementary students are expected to attend a live Morning Meeting with their teacher before proceeding to access lessons and activities via Google Classroom. 

• A second live session for elementary students to interact with their teachers will be held at 2:30pm each day, but attendance is optional.

• Students in grades 6-12 are expected to follow their amended regular period schedule throughout the day Monday-Thursday and will access lessons and assignments via each of their teacher's Google Classroom page. 

• Each day's assignments will be posted by 3pm the afternoon before. 

• Fridays for grades 6-12 offer additional flexibility to allow our staff to meet with students on an as-needed basis to provide support, extend learning opportunities, offer social-emotional connections, and attend to other professional responsibilities.

• Parents should email the school secretary/attendance clerk noted in the principal's email if their child is unable to attend a particular session.

This next iteration of learning marks a shift in both time commitment and expectations and we again ask for patience as we implement these changes. This approach will likely come easily for some and be more difficult for others. All we ask of our students and parents is that you do your best and understand that our teachers will continue to provide flexibility and support. As this process continues to unfold, we will continue to adapt and evolve to strike the right balance for our students, faculty, and parents. Additionally, we know that the issue of grading, particularly third quarter grades, is on the minds of many parents and students. The District is considering a variety of options for how to handle grading during this time and more information will be forthcoming later in the week.

At this time, our current building closures extend through April 14. We continue to monitor the latest guidance from the state and federal government and will adapt as necessary. Importantly, we learned today that Governor Cuomo has postponed the annual school board election and budget vote until at least June 1. We will provide additional information with regard to this important election as we learn more from the state. 

As a reminder, our very first remote Board of Education meeting via videoconference will be held this Wednesday, April 1. Please see the full meeting notice for details on how to view the meeting.  

I want to again thank the community for your support and patience as we adapt together. This is a learning process for us all and I know that we are all united around the common goal of providing the best possible education for our students. 

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.

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.