May 7 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members, 

May is Mental Health Awareness month and it is important now, perhaps more than at any time before, to be mindful of the stress and difficulties so many of us are going through. This pandemic has presented challenges across such a wide swath of our day-to-day lives, whether it be our own or our families' physical health, economic stress, grief, or the lack of human contact due to social distancing. As we navigate this crisis, we should all recognize that we are in this together, and that we must all be there to support one another. 

Our District continues to do our best to meet the needs of our students when it comes to their social-emotional health and we are thankful for our clinicians, counselors and teachers who have made this a point of emphasis within their work, both when our buildings are open and in the virtual environment. Please keep in mind that our District's clinicians and counselors continue to be available to help any student in need and can be reached directly by email or by contacting your school principal. As a reminder the District's Coronavirus webpage also includes a variety of resources that families may find helpful and additional resources are available on the Pelham Together website.  

I continue to be amazed by the resolve and determination of the Pelham community and know that our best days are ahead of us. 

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.
• 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.