To My Plainedge Family,
As a follow-up to my last Community Update, Governor Cuomo announced that all schools in New York State (NYS) will be closed for the remainder of the 2019/20 School Year.
On May 15, 2020, regions of NYS will enter the Governor's "Phase I," of the Reopening of New York Program (there are 4 phases). Not all regions of the state will reopen until they meet the State’s new requirements. It is our understanding that Nassau County is not planning to enter Phase I on May 15, 2020. We do know that schools reopening are in the final phase, “Phase IV.”
We realize that the sudden closure of our school buildings has created many questions for our students and parents. How will we close out the school year? Since we are legally prohibited from assembling any group of people, how will we handle the traditional year-end events, including award ceremonies, moving up exercises and high school graduation?
I am writing you all today to share that your central administrators, and your child’s principals and teachers are all working hard to preserve as many of these events as possible, and all in accordance with the current NYS Laws. We promise to make all our events as special as humanly possible and you should expect us to leverage technology to facilitate these events. Please look forward to receiving an update and schedule of events from your principals in the near future. We will consider all options but please understand that the NYS law governs, and the health and safety of every community member is our top priority during this national pandemic crisis.
On a personal note, my family and I can relate to what all our families of seniors are going through at this time. My daughter, Sloane Jordyn's college graduation from Northeastern University was originally scheduled for this past weekend. It was canceled. She's devastated obviously, we are beyond disappointed, but we are all being positive for her and our entire family is making it as special as we can, although we could not all be together for this incredible achievement or hold a proper celebration after attending her planned graduation ceremony. We spoke to her about there being no graduation ceremony from college and how proud we are of her educational accomplishments and how much we all love her. While she was still disappointed, she was happy we were all there to support her and acknowledge her receiving her bachelor’s degree. I urge everyone to be talking to their children about the realities of this COVID-19 Pandemic and let them know you support them always!
Remote learning instruction will continue for the rest of the school year. Should you have any questions regarding your child’s educational program please contact their teacher, and if you require additional clarification or support, please feel free to contact your school principal. Our meal program for eligible families will still be in operation for the remainder of the school year.
Earlier this last week, we also received notice from the State that the annual school budget vote 2020 will be held via mail and the new vote date is now June 9, 2020. More information related to the new voting process will be sent to all community members shortly.
This continues to be a time for everyone to support the greater good, and the sooner everyone does their part, the sooner this pandemic will end. Ignoring public health warnings will only prolong this difficult and challenging time. So please, take kindly the advice being issued by health professionals:
- Stay home unless you need to go out for essential supplies or your work has been deemed essential
- If you do go out, stay a minimum of six feet away from other people
- Continue to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer
I wish you and your families well during this rapidly evolving situation. We know that this closure is challenging for all of our families. Please know that we stand ready to assist you in any way possible. I will continue to provide you with timely information on a regular basis, and I encourage you to visit our website at www.plainedgeschools.org for updates on the situation.
We’re all in this together! And I look forward to the day when we can all be together again.
Sincerely,
Edward A. Salina, Jr., Ed.D.
Superintendent