Enrollment choice options open through Aug. 24
A total of 1,925 people had completed the district’s enrollment choice form as of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, with 55.7% (1,072) indicating that they are choosing a fully virtual instructional model for their students through the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year, which ends Nov. 13.
In the transportation choice option, 378 responses (19.6%) indicated that the student will require a bus ride to and from school on the days that the student is scheduled for in-person instruction during the first marking period. Another 235 (12.2%) have indicated the student is eligible but will not require transportation.
A total of 1,313 responses (68.2%) have indicated that the student will not require transportation, either because they are not eligible (428, or 22.2%) or because they have selected fully virtual instruction for the first marking period (885, or 46%).
In the food service choice question, a total of 1,601 responses have indicated that the student will not require meals on the days they are not attending in person – 893 (46.3%) because the student will be participating in an in-person instructional model if it is available, and 709 (36.8%) because the student will be enrolled in the fully virtual model.
There are 325 responses (16.9%) indicating that the family will plan to pick-up meals on days when the student is not attending in-person.
All three enrollment choice options will be available to families through Monday, Aug. 24.
Reopening forums planned for August
The district is planning virtual forums for families and community members next week to provide continuing opportunities to learn more about our 2020-21 Reopening Plan and to ask questions.
The forums will be held via Google Meet on the following dates:
- Monday, Aug. 17 -- Elementary, 6-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 -- Middle school, 6-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 -- High school, 6-7 p.m.
The forums will provide an update on our plans for starting the new school year in September, including updates that are anticipated this week from Governor Cuomo that will continue to inform the planning for schools statewide, as well as an opportunity for participants to ask live questions.
Social-emotional supports for students and families
In addition to prioritizing health, safety and academics this upcoming school year, the district is working to address the social-emotional needs of our students and employees upon our return in September. In the weeks leading up to the 2020-21 school year, the Pupil Personnel Services Department will be providing strategies that all can use to cope during this difficult time.
It is perfectly normal for everyone involved – employees, students and families – to feel stressed and anxious about these circumstances. These coping strategies can be effective if used properly and can be coupled with more supportive interventions if needed.
We have additional information and resources in the Social-Emotional Well-Being section of our 2020-21 Reopening Plan, and there is also is additional information in the Reminders section below.
The Great American Mask Drive
The Great American Mask Drive is an opportunity for people to donate masks to schools for the start of the upcoming school year. The masks are washable and reusable, and made by Hanes. The are $1.50 apiece and you can donate any quantity to any school in the district by following the link above.
Following guidance from the New York State Department of Health, the district will provide masks for employees as well as masks for students who arrive at the bus or school without one. The Great American Mask Drive is an opportunity for you to supplement these supplies if you would like to help.
The Great American Mask Drive will be accepting orders through Monday, Aug. 31. Orders then will be shipped directly to each school, or, in cases in which a school does not receive at least 500 donated masks, masks.com will ship directly to the district for distribution to individual schools.
Summer Adventure awaits!
Thanks to our partners at Capital Region BOCES, students from kindergarten-grade 5 can take part in free and fun summertime activities on a new website.
The Summer Adventure website provides a wealth of activities for kids and their families, ranging from cooking to science to arts and crafts to mindful moments. With a mix of independent learning and family fun, parents will have the freedom to choose from a variety of summer adventures for their kids.
New activities are unveiled every Friday through Aug. 21 to keep kids active all summer long. Sign up here for Summer Adventure activities delivered to your inbox each week.
