Upcoming Virtual District Events
Students in John Jay Middle School's one performance of "Mary Poppins," just before schools closed.
A Message from Superintendent Andrew Selesnick
Dear Katonah-Lewisboro Families,
 
It is safe to say that we never imagined a spring like this one. However, there is plenty of news to share as Katonah-Lewisboro students, teachers and families embrace distance learning.

As you know, Governor Cuomo recently extended the period of school closings until at least April 29th. Distance learning will continue and as I’ve indicated previously, our students can expect to see some changes in the structure and delivery of that distance learning. Please see the links below for important information, including an invitation to join me on April 16 at 7:30 p.m.for a webinar and Q&A session.

To all our families who are celebrating holidays in the coming days, I hope they bring joy during these challenging times.

As always, be safe and be well.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Andrew Selesnick
Important Links
  • Do you have questions? Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about grading, free/reduced meals, and more.

  • For the Distance Learning Handbook click here. It is an evolving plan and will be updated regularly.


  • Join Superintendent Andrew Selesnick on April 16 at 7:30 p.m. for a webinar and Q&A session. Meeting link here. You do not need to download Zoom to attend.
Learning from a Distance
Doing the plank for P.E., mixing paint for an art project, reflecting on the high school musical, reading outdoors with a friend, and a enjoying a cooking class.
Distance learning takes many forms, from completing independent assignments online and on paper and participating in class conversations via video conference to having one-on-one phone calls with teachers … as well as enjoying outdoor exploration, reading while snuggled next to pets, and longer blocks of uninterrupted time for self-directed learning. 

See some of these at-home activities in Katonah Elementary School’s “Good Morning, KES” video which was shared with students in early April. Increase Miller Elementary School’s students enjoyed a special video visit with author Lauren Tarshis to wrap up PARP. Creativity doesn’t stop and Rite of Spring, the annual art show at John Jay High School, opened online this year. Visit it here. 
Teaching from a Distance
Librarian Jeane Hand and her dog during a video read-aloud, the high school science department's weekly meeting, middle school art teacher Jean Capuano sending a positive message, elementary school teacher Marisa Donaghy giving a lesson as "Super Reader," and middle school music teacher Carly Spaeth-Walsh and her little one leading chorus from a balmy virtual location.
Teachers of our youngest students are sending short videos of themselves leading lessons to their class families through SeeSaw—to convey instruction and to provide for students’ social and emotional wellbeing. Middle school teachers, counselors and administrators are speaking to students through JJTV—daily videos posted on YouTube—to keep students engaged and connected with their school. Enjoy the “We Miss You” video middle school students received this week here. Find a surprising way English 9 is helping students find balance and meaning in these unsettling times here. 

Because of social distancing, the middle school’s production of "Mary Poppins" ran one night only with two tickets for each of the performers and production crew. See photos of that wonderful performance here. The high school’s musical, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," was canceled entirely. The director, Amanda Urban, asked students to share what they loved best about being part of that show ... even though no one would see it. Watch a video of their moving responses here . 
Supporting from a Distance
Katonah-Lewisboro is actively supporting home use of online learning platforms. More than 100 parents attended evening online training with district staff developers for SeeSaw and Teams on March 30. KLSD tech support has created an email specifically for parents and students’ use-- studenthelpdesk@klschools.org --which is available for individual home-help sessions.  Read more about district support for distance learning here.

Teachers also attend educational technology sessions with staff developers. They are meeting with their colleagues (virtually), planning lessons, and sharing new resources to help teach online. There are many different ways our administrators, staff and teachers are rising to the challenge and Katonah-Lewisboro is grateful!
Katonah-Lewisboro School District | PO Box 387, Katonah, NY 10536 | 914-763-7001