Dear MPH Families,
 
Looking ahead to the weekend, I extend best wishes for good health and the chance to hit the “refresh” button as we all acclimate to this new normal. 
 
By all accounts, we’ve had a successful week of classes, as well as the chance to discover new and different ways to connect socially, while keeping our distance physically. As all of my meetings and conversations this week were conducted using Zoom, a much-appreciated virtual platform, what emerged over and over again was just how grateful people are, myself included, for the chance to see one another and enjoy being part of the MPH community. Our all-employee meeting on Wednesday afternoon was the most poignant example of this yearning for community as 75+ colleagues and I, in and around discussing the business at hand, enjoyed a few laughs, shared helpful anecdotes about what’s working well, compared notes about effective distance-learning pedagogy, and, on many occasions, told stories about how best to support your children. 
 
In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll outline our developing plans to coordinate a multifaceted community-engagement initiative designed to organize and support outreach efforts to connect socially and in service to the MPH and CNY communities. Stay tuned!
 
In bullet form, here’s some information and a little color commentary from the last week:
 
  • Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order included a statewide closure of all schools until April 15, “at which time the continued closure shall be re-evaluated.” Thus, we will use our distance-learning format through this time, pushing back our earliest possible return date to April 16. In the “managing expectations” department, we should all be reminded of the evolving nature of this new reality and the need to be adaptive and nimble to change.
 
  • For students and families who plan to return to MPH for the 2020-2021 school year, you should have received important information about the re-enrollment process, including modifications to the usual process and accommodations, financial and otherwise, to support our families during this challenging time. Please contact Director of Admissions Nicole Cicoria with any questions you may have.
 
  • Board of Trustees – I’ll simply note that MPH is fortunate to be led and supported by this extraordinary leadership team, and I am grateful for the individual dedication of trustees and collective commitment of our Board. Thank you!
 
  • The Carnivale Spring Gala, scheduled for April 17, will take place, albeit using a virtual format. My colleagues are working with our Gala leadership and volunteer team to create an online experience, the details of which will be shared in the days ahead. For now, I offer my sincere thanks for the creative and thoughtful adjustment in format, and all of the work required to make this happen!
 
  • The MPH Alumni Reunion and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction program will both be rescheduled for Homecoming Weekend in October.   
 
In closing, I want you to know just how much we appreciate the full partnership we share with our parents. We know that most of you have also been thrust into new routines with shifting roles and responsibilities. We’re sensitive to not placing any additional stress on an already challenging time for all of us, and I want to underscore that we are 100% invested in supporting your children, their education, and especially the health and well-being of your family.  
 
Take care and best wishes,
 
Dave