Reopening Update - Parent Forums and Technology/Health Survey

Dear Pelham Parents and Community Members,

As we enter the final weeks of August, I wanted to update you on the District's reopening plans for the fall and share several important developments. At this time, the District is preparing to open schools either under our hybrid or distance learning models. At this time, we do not believe that a return to full in-person instruction is feasible or safe for our students and staff. If you have not already, all parents/guardians should soon be receiving your children's cohort assignments so that parents can plan in the event that a hybrid model is used. Please know that the District is working to finalize plans for the daily hybrid schedule to best meet the needs of our students who are in the classroom as well as those who are learning at home. More details about the schedule and school-specific procedures will be forthcoming. 

Technology & Health Survey

In preparing for the hybrid or distance learning models, we are asking parents/guardians to complete this survey, which asks about technology needs as well as underlying health conditions that will prevent students from being able to return for in person instruction. It is important to note that all students in grades 6-12 will be provided a District-issued Google Chromebook for home and in-school. Upon request, the District will provide a device to K-5 students to use at home whose families do not have one available for them. Additionally, the District is prepared to provide internet connectivity to any student in need. 

Parent Meetings

On Thursday, August 20, the District will host three virtual meetings with parents to review our reopening plans and provide an opportunity to answer questions. These meetings will be held using Google Meet with one focused primarily for elementary school parents, one primarily for middle and high school parents, and a third for parents of any grade-level. Please register using the links below and a meeting link will be sent to you approximately 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Please be sure to submit your questions in advance using the registration form. The schedule is as follows:

• 9:30am - Middle/High School Parents |  Register
• 4pm - District-wide |  Register
• 7pm - Elementary Parents |  Register

Contact Tracing and Testing

Last week, Governor Cuomo directed all school districts in the state to prominently post plans for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing to their respective websites. Like other districts in the region, we have been coordinating with the Westchester County Department of Health on these plans, which have been posted along with our other reopening materials. In the coming weeks, and once the school year begins, the District will continue to update and post additional information as it becomes available. It is important to note that our plans for the upcoming school year will continue to be fluid as we adapt and evolve based on the COVID-19 pandemic and its prevalence in our community and region.

Elementary Parent Portal

Early next week K-5 families will receive an email with directions for how to sign up for our Infinite Campus Parent Portal, which will allow you to track your child's attendance and view their report cards once they are posted. This portal is currently used at the middle and high schools and we are pleased to now be offering it as a tool at the elementary schools as well. We hope that you find the directions easy to follow and if you have any questions on how to set up your account, you can email portalhelp@pelhamschools.org and a member of our technology team will reach out to provide assistance. 

Safety and Preparing for School

In accordance with State guidance, please be reminded that anyone who visits one of the states under New York's Travel Advisory MUST quarantine for 14 days. As we prepare to begin what we know will be a challenging year, it is essential that our community continues to support one another and be flexible as we seek to keep our students and families safe and provide them the education that they deserve.

Sincerely,

Dr. Champ