Honoring History...
As most of you know, February marks Black History Month in our country and it is not a secret that our country has been through a lot over the last 12 months between the pandemic, issues of racial injustice, and differences bred from on of the most tense presidential elections in our history. Black history month is a time when we can all take a moment to learn about aspects of our nation's past that have been largely absent from text books of the past. Many people are well aware of the super famous throughout history, the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, and Barrack Obama. These names are easy to recognize and their accomplishments easy to know. For every individual that we may be aware of and may know their accomplishments, there are many more behind the scenes who have worked every day to make their lives and all lives better. Many Americans are well aware of the tragedies of our nation's past and the injustices that have existed. That's not what Black History Month is about. This month is a time to honor the individuals who have committed their lives to creating a better world and who have sacrificed something to achieve greatness. The road to success isn't easy for anyone, but there was a time in our country when the law was stacked against our black colleagues and friends, making it even more challenging to achieve at the greatest levels. While we have made great strides toward having a more just and equal society, the reality is, we are still struggling for equity for every human being in our country; black, white, brown, yellow, female, male, tall, short, special needs, or general education. The struggle is real and it will never end if we aren't willing to realize that equity does not mean equality. I don't profess to know the answers, nor do I think the solutions are simple. They also can't happen overnight. However, if we begin with a simple concept of respect for each other and understanding of the perspective with which each individual comes from. If, at the very least, there is a common respect for all individuals; our differences become less and less intense and violent. Solutions are bred out of respectful disagreements and it's our responsibility to make sure that the dream continues.
Updated PreK-12 Toolkit
Similar to the Fall, the New York State Department of Health has re-issued an updated PreK-12 Toolkit for students, families, and staff to have a better understanding of when they should/should not come to school. The updated toolkit is reflective of those individuals who have tested positive for COVID in the last 90 days. A copy of the updated toolkit can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/02/nysdoh_prekgr12_toolkit_update-020121.pdf
Kindergarten Registration
Mid-Winter Recess Reminder
Just a reminder that next week, February 15-19, marks the week of mid-winter recess. Schools will not be in session during that week and will reopen on Monday, February 22.
BigFutures Day
The College Board has developed a virtual college fair for current sophomores and juniors in high schools throughout the country. Whether you've already started your college search or have no idea where to begin, they want to connect you with colleges that might be a good fit for you. BigFutures Days gives you a chance to get information about multiple colleges from college admissions offices and current college students. For more information, please visit https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2001210/districts/32521
