Superintendent Update #16 – May 23, 2020
May 23, 2020
Dear Members of the Warwick Valley CSD Community,
If our schools were in session in the traditional sense, our teachers would likely take the time to remind our students of the significance of Memorial Day. I envision discussions about how almost one million Americans have served this country and lost their lives in sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. This weekend we will miss the traditional parades and large gatherings; yet, hopefully, we will spend time relaxing, grilling, or getting outside. Let’s reflect on the significance of this holiday, and in some way, review its importance with our children.
Best regards,
Dr. David Leach
School Budget Vote
No in-person voting this year
This year’s school budget vote and board of education election must take place exclusively by absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Qualified voters should have received absentee ballots in the mail. If you are an eligible voter who did NOT receive an absentee ballot, please contact the District Office at 845-987-3000, extension 10511. You may also email slaroe@wvcsd.org.
You may access the following link to view the Budget Newsletter You’ll also find budget presentations/video on the District Budget webpage.
Absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 pm on June 9, 2020
Please be sure to follow the instructions on your absentee ballot carefully. After marking your ballot, seal it in the oath envelope and place the oath envelope in the postage-paid return envelope addressed to the District Clerk. Please also date/sign the back of the oath envelope. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on June 9, 2020.
To learn more, here’s a quick video to view
Encouraging High School Seniors to Complete the FAFSA
New York students are missing out on an estimated $152 million in federal financial aid by not filling out the FAFSA, and additional resources they could receive from New York State TAP grants, NYS DREAM Act support, and Excelsior Scholarships.
New York has now developed one-page handouts that can be reprinted or delivered electronically for distribution to students, encouraging them to complete the FAFSA.
Here are the handouts in English and Spanish.
Reopening Schools: Request for Feedback
As we look to the future, we must consider what a return to school buildings might look like and how best to support students, families, and staff.
We know that we are stronger together. Please participate in a statewide virtual conversation about reopening schools. You will be able to read and rate other participants’ responses. Based on those ratings, the essential thoughts will rise to the top. All contributions are anonymous.
This process is a statewide exchange facilitated by the 37 New York BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services). The exchange results will be shared with our elected officials to have a more global understanding of our community members’ thoughts and ideas about returning to in-person schooling.
I encourage everyone to use the link below to share your thoughts and help evaluate the critical issues. Our local BOCES is Orange-Ulster BOCES. If English is not your first language, there is a translation feature. ThoughtexchangeLink: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/333518046
School Calendar Changes, Retrieving Personal Items
Next week, we will finalize changes to the end-of-year school calendar, which will contain the dates for the last day of remote instruction, the final day for submission of any incomplete student assignments, and the publication of student report cards. These school calendar changes will be contingent on any further executive orders issued by the Governor’s office. Principals will also communicate the plan for students to retrieve their belongings in the upcoming weeks. The approach will strongly consider students’ safety and health concerns.
Regional Dashboard Monitoring for Re-Opening New York The Governor’s Office has been utilizing seven metrics when considering to re-open New York State. The following dashboard (click here) is a resource to stay abreast of the latest changes. This dashboard is updated often, so check back for updates on the progress in our region.