Roslyn Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 
March 17, 2020

Dear Roslyn Families,

The governor has ordered all New York schools to close until April 1. This extends Roslyn's closure beyond March 27, as we announced last Friday. The governor's website states:

"Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order directing all schools in New York to close by Wednesday, March 18 for two weeks ending April 1.
"At that time, the state will reassess whether to extend the school closures further and continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement. Schools that exceed the closure period without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule."

Whenever we are able to return to school, we will adjust the calendar as necessary to recover as many days of instruction as possible. In the meantime, learning plans are being implemented this week by our professional staff.

Taking Care of the Most Vulnerable
Children's loss of access to school meals is one of our most serious concerns during this period. Therefore, the district has prepared and planned for our families who are eligible to receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch. Our food service workers along with our administrators have packed meals, which are being picked up by the families or delivered by our staff.

Thanks to the efforts of our PFA's, social workers and our director of Guidance, Greg Wasserman, local organizations are working to provide for those most in need:

St. Mary's Church (next to the high school) will be open to our community Monday through Thursday from 10-3 and Friday from 12-3. They will be accepting donations directly from any interested families of non-perishable food, paper products and cleaning supplies.

E Joy Community Resource Center (located across from the Roslyn Community Center) will be open Saturday from 9-11 and Sunday from 1-2. They will also be accepting donations directly from any interested families that consist of non-perishable food, paper products and cleaning supplies. E Joy would also welcome the help of volunteers. Please contact Audrey Lewis at 631-624-0383 or sote2@msn.com.

Both locations have specifically asked for the following:
Children's food: cereal, snacks; canned meat; canned fish; beans.

Island Harvest is also working to provide food assistance to those in our communities who are most in need: https://interland3s.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E249623&id=68

Stay Fit, but at a Distance
Getting outdoors and exercising is a great idea for maintaining both our physical and mental health, especially in this stressful time. However, engaging in group activities of any kind is not advised by health authorities right now. We have therefore suspended all use of the school's outdoor facilities for organized sports. By all means, walk the track and get some air, but not in groups. Remember, social distancing is the key to slowing the spread of infection. Gathering for team sports or fitness, even pick-up games, is counter-productive. If our security staff observes anyone congregating on the fields, tracks or courts, they will ask them to separate. 

I've been asked many times how long I think the closing will last. No one knows at this point, but one thing is clear: the harder we work to slow the spread of the virus, the shorter it is likely to be. While schools are closed, we must rely on you to emphasize with your children that the situation is serious and that they should continue the practice of good hygiene, which we would be repeating every day if the children were in school. We'll get through this if we all work together.
 
Please continue to stay home and stay well.

Sincerely,
Allison Brown


Roslyn's Coronavirus Information Page: www.roslynschools.org/coronavirus  

New York State's Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065.