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Roslyn Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
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March 27, 2020
Dear Roslyn Families,
Gov. Cuomo announced today that schools in New York will remain closed until at least April 15. Spring Recess is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 9. Out of respect for the holidays that fall during the recess, we will pause remote learning from April 9 through April 17. Classes will resume, either in school or via remote learning, on Monday, April 20. As the state makes further announcements about the schools, we will continue to make decisions about how to move forward that are in the best interest of our community.
From the beginning of this crisis, I have maintained that online learning could never take the place of traditional classroom instruction. The human connection is a critical part of what we do, and while online learning can be effective, it must be different. Educators train for many years to work with students in person, so this is all new to us, and we are all learning. Furthermore, technical problems are frequently an obstacle to communication. For example, many people experienced glitches in Google Classroom this past week, apparently because of the enormous increase in the number of users around the country and the world.
I know there are still questions and concerns, ranging from too little contact between teachers and students, to too much. Meaningful and productive interactions among teachers and students have been growing day by day, as we adapt to this "new normal". We may not be AT SCHOOL but we are most definitely IN SCHOOL. When the time comes and we can safely return, all of the efforts of our staff and students will ensure that we will not miss a beat as we get ourselves up and running again.
Teachers and administrators are continually seeking additional resources for students, and attending online training in the various learning platforms. An excellent example is the Padlet page for our elementary families, where new materials, activities and information are posted regularly: https://padlet.com/mpassi4/RoslynElementaryPadlet. Please make use of the links on this ever-growing page of ideas, and the other, similar sites being created by individual faculty members.
In yet another example of the generosity and initiative of so many Roslyn families, a group of parents has been raising money to send meals from local restaurants and delis to the more than 600 staff at LIJ, North Shore, St. Francis and Winthrop hospitals. To donate, please Venmo Liz Heller @Liz-Heller-4. This effort also helps some of the eateries in our area, who are struggling to stay in business during the shutdown.
As always, whenever there is important news to report, I will let you know. This weekend, please continue to practice social distancing. And take very good care yourselves and your loved ones, both physically and mentally. Stay well, Roslyn.
Sincerely,
Allison Brown
New York State's Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065.
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