Dear Families,
There is so much power in social connection. I, for one, am grateful to be a part of this school community. Together, we are creating a new rhythm of work, of home-based education and of coming together in ways we never imagined. It’s a rhythm that is well anchored in the strength and abundance of mutual support, and it feels like the true silver lining of these times.
I’m happy to report that since the outbreak began, our school community cases have been very low. Even in the larger Hawthorne Valley Association, which includes the essential Farm Store employees who interface with the general public daily, we have had very minimal exposure. That information feels hard to believe when we read about the numbers of people affected throughout New York State. I believe this shows we were ahead of the curve (literally) when we closed school and began social distancing as a community before the pandemic had a chance to take hold in our area. Thank you for staying home, continuing to distance, and doing your part to stop the spread.
On a somber note, however, Pine Haven Nursing Home, which is right down the road from us in Philmont has 29 confirmed cases and sadly, 12 deaths. Please keep the residents and their loved ones, as well as the hard working staff at Pine Haven, in your thoughts right now.
Please note that the Covid-19 testing kits that were expected to arrive to Columbia County last week
have been delayed
. Once secured, Columbia County plans to set up a new testing site at a location to be determined. Testing will be conducted by Columbia Memorial Hospital and will be modeled after the drive-thru testing currently operating in Albany – by appointment only. I will send more information about that as it becomes available.
A few other resources and points of information I wanted to share:
- The fundraising initiative mentioned last week for Purpose Cooperative, making face shields for Columbia Memorial Hospital, has met their goal! Thank you for your support!
- In an effort to help those working hardest (front line healthcare workers) and those hit hardest (local restaurants and businesses), an organization called Spark Hudson is providing ICU staff at Columbia Memorial Hospital with free quality meals from local restaurants. Please consider sponsoring a meal by donating to their fundraiser.
- We are seeing a severe blood shortage due to the implementation of social distancing and cancellation of blood drives nationally. If you are a person who is eligible to give blood, please consider doing so at these upcoming local blood drives.
- Tuesday, April 28th at the Hudson City Fire House (95 N 7thSt.) from 1pm – 6pm
- Friday, May 8th at the Taconic Hills High School (73 Route 11A) from 9am – 3pm
As always, please keep me updated on the health and status of your family and please stay home for 14 days if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness. Finally, please feel free to reach out if you need support of any kind.
Take good care,
Kara Desiderio
School Nurse
