April 1 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

Since the beginning of this health crisis, we have been monitoring and adapting quickly to new and changing guidance from New York State with regard to our prolonged building closure. As you know, next week was scheduled to be spring break. This week, however, we received guidance that school districts must continue offering distance learning over spring break. This news likely will come as a disappointment to many who were hoping for a respite and release from the daily family pressures, and as a relief to others who were looking forward to keeping children engaged in learning activities. We also recognize that many students and staff will be involved in religious observances next week. 

Given these various dynamics and the short notice on these changes, we plan to offer a modified approach to learning activities next week that will allow students to catch up on work as well as engage in continued learning activities. Please know that these activities should be done at a pace that is manageable for students and their families. Teachers will continue to be available to respond to email questions throughout the week, but will not hold live sessions.

The Distance Learning schedule that went into effect Wednesday will remain in place through the end of this week and resume on Monday, April 13 as previously planned. While the current closure extends through April 14 per the Governor's Executive Order, we continue to monitor guidance regarding an extension.

The District's meal and childcare programs will continue as planned next week. As a reminder breakfast and lunch are available for any child in need, whether or not they qualify for free or reduced lunch. Both meals are available for pickup at Hutchinson School between 8 and 10am, Monday-Friday. More information about childcare for first responders and essential health care workers is available on the District website. 

I'd like to thank our parents and students for your understanding and flexibility as well as our faculty and administrators for their willingness to adapt on the fly and create additional learning activities on such short notice. This change has likely come as a curveball to many, but please know that we are working to the best of our ability to adapt to changes as they come and provide as much notice as possible. Thank you again for patience as we work through this challenging time together.

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.