LEADING THROUGH LISTENING

Late last week, Governor Cuomo provided some information that school districts across New York State can finally have some semblance of an idea of what to expect. During the month of June, we will be provided with guidance on what a re-opening plan must entail. In July, districts must submit plans to the State outlining and detailing our re-opening process. Finally, in August, the State will work with districts to make sure these plans are approved. What remains to be seen in all of this is the level of financial support that school districts can anticipate through state aid once we reach the second look-back stage of the Governor's budget. Internally, we have developed two committees to review the essential needs of operating a school with social distancing requirements and the safety protocols that we have all been living under. One of our committees is discussing and recommending changes needed to facilities and physical spaces, while the other is looking at instruction, curri...

On Memorial Day, we stop each year to remember and honor the military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live the life that we are all so accustomed to. Memorial Day is traditionally filled with parades, bands, military memorabilia and honorees, picnics, barbecues, ice cream, fire works, and more. Across our country it is a day of remembrance and honor for people that most of us never knew, and never knew what the true fight was. Yet part of what makes the American people so great is their ability to band together in times of need and do the small things that make the world a better place; small things like say thank you to complete strangers. On this particular Memorial Day, with the confines of COVID-19 restricting much of the traditions associated with Memorial Day, our community will be absent of the traditional fanfare that most partake in. That doesn't mean that the purpose and the meaning behind Memorial Day can be suppressed by COVID-19 thoug...

One of the largest and ongoing concerns that schools throughout the country have faced during the COVID-19 crisis is what to do for our graduating seniors? This past week, with the RFA advisors to the senior class and student government, we were able to agree on the best possible course of action for the Class of 2020 graduation ceremonies. Seniors and their families may already know, however, we will hold graduation on Saturday, June 27, 2020 as previously scheduled (with a rain date of Sunday, June 28). By holding the date, this allows families and students to prepare, schedule, and plan. While hosting an event in July or August was explored, families and students already have June 27 on their calendars and we cannot assure that ALL students will have the ability to reschedule or be available at a later date. Thus, planning for June 27 is moving forward. On that day, one of three things will happen: Full traditional graduation as we have always had. Modified graduation for stud...

On this Mother's Day, we all need to take a moment to reflect and think about the value our mother's have added to our lives. We've all heard the old sayings about how our parents are our first teachers, and there is truth to that. One of the nice things about being an adult is that you learn to appreciate the moment and enjoy the little things in life as you learn that not everyone has the same life that you may have. You also learn to value those in your life that helped raise you and you understand a parent's unconditional love. While we are in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis,  hopefully we have all been able to recognize that our parents care about us more than we imagine. As a teenager (and college student) I certainly did not have the understanding of family that my parents deserved. As an adult, the picture could not be more clear! Perhaps it has more to do with being a parent yourself that helps one understand the true value of our own parents. Regardless, o...

Every year, the first full week of May marks TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK across our country. This year, it seems even more prudent to acknowledge the work of teachers in our community and throughout the country. Educators everywhere have been thrown into an entire new reality and many have worked harder than ever to ensure that their students are taken care of and have what they need to be successful. Teaching has always been a 24/7 profession, but the past 7 weeks have just reminded us all just how much work goes into our profession. Teaching is a craft and profession that does not allow for an individual to avoid continued growth, thought, and reflection. Beyond just our classroom teachers, we need to recognize our entire community, as we are all teachers in some way, shape or form. We all do this together for our children and that is what breeds success. Finally, I thank all our children's first teachers, the parents and family members. Having a foundation of learning at home is...