Dear Families,

 

As has been the case during this unprecedented time of school closure due to the COVID-19 crisis, changes happen rapidly.  The intent of this communication is to give you the most up-to-date information about our current plan for our students’ at-home learning responsibilities.

 

Spring Recess: As you are aware, it was our initial plan at Holley to follow the existing school year calendar and treat next week (April 6-10) as “Spring Recess.” Late Monday afternoon, school districts across New York State (NYS) received clarification from the NYS Department of Education regarding Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order #202.11. The Order mandated school districts across NYS to provide “continuity of learning” through April 15, 2020; including during what was previously our Spring Recess.Therefore, our teachers will continue to provide learning activities and resources for students for next week. We are taking a common-sense approach to this directive from the State, with the understanding that families are balancing many responsibilities and may already have plans.  Our teachers will be providing at-home learning material in a way that’s been consistent with what they have been doing.

 

Quarter 3 and Report Cards:  The last day we had students in school was Friday, March 13.  That will be the last day for graded material to count for third quarter grades/progress. Our plan is to allow students to make-up any work possible by Friday, April 10, which is the last day of the third quarter.  Grades will be posted and viewable to students and families on SchoolTool on Friday, April 17. 

 

Moving Forward:  Our teachers have met this week (via “Zoom” meetings) to begin the process of preparing new essential instruction and materials for students, which will begin on Monday, April 13. This will be the first day of our fourth marking period. Our goal is to provide students and families plans and directions each Friday, for the following week.  Therefore, you should expect to see information from your child’s teacher(s) this Friday (4/3) and each Friday we’re closed.  Our goal is to provide you with this information so you can help your child plan their at-home learning schedule for the next week.  Teachers may also be establishing guidelines for a suggested daily learning schedule, best times for communication, conferencing, how to get support and other valuable resources. 

 

Thank very much for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this challenging time.  As information becomes available and updates and changes occur, we will communicate with you ASAP.  We can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing at home to be essential partners with us in educating our students.  We also understand that this is a very stressful time for kids and families.  Please continue to encourage your children to keep doing their best and to know that the staff here at school all miss them very much.  We can’t wait to have our students back!

 

Teachers will be in touch this Friday (4/3) with their weekly update. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any support or assistance.  We are here for you.

 

Thank for you for all you’re doing to care for our students, to be safe, to practice social distancing and to maintain good hygiene so we can all remain healthy and be together again very soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brian Bartalo and the Administrative Team at Holley CSD