May 8 COVID-19 Update

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

	Teacher Irene Gruber prepared her yard as the site for the annual Forensics Class dig.

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, I want to once again share how thankful I am to lead such an incredible group of educators. I have found this to be true every year that I have been in Pelham, but it has been proven once again in the face of these unprecedented times. What has been truly impressive is the creativity so many of our teachers have shown in recent weeks. Just a few examples that come to mind include creating STEAM challenges, conducting a virtual orchestra, engaging students in extracurriculars and turning their own backyard into a forensic dig site. I look forward to all the creativity that is yet to come through the remaining weeks in school. Our teachers have shown incredible passion and dedication to our students and they deserve our deepest gratitude. 

This week has proved extremely busy on a number of fronts as we continue to navigate through our changed environment. Today, Mrs. Clark shared with students and parents that both prom and graduation have been postponed until July  to provide additional time to assess the COVID-19 situation. While we remain hopeful that we will have some in-person element to these events, it remains unknown whether it will be safe or feasible to do so at that time. If we are still unable to be together in July, we will likely proceed with a virtual graduation and plan an alumni luncheon for our 2020 graduates over Thanksgiving weekend. Please know that we understand and share the disappointment of our students and families and remain committed to celebrating our seniors and acknowledging their incredible accomplishments to the extent that we are able. Discussions are continuing with regard to plans for our rising sixth and ninth graders and we hope to share additional information next week. 

Please enjoy a pleasant and restful weekend and Happy Mothers Day to all our Pelham moms!

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.