Dear Briarcliff Parents and Guardians:
Please be aware that the Briarcliff Manor School District will now be closing down all regular school operations including all athletic activities until Saturday, March 28th. All school buildings and campuses will be closed and off-limits to students and the public.
Given the growing concern regarding the potential spread of COVID-19, we must consider the interconnectedness of our school community with those across Westchester. With that in mind, we had to carefully weigh whether we could ensure the collective health and safety of students and staff under normal operations. Thus, the decision has been made to close Briarcliff Schools until Saturday March 28th. This closure will allow the District to undergo a 14-day break from educational, co-curricular and athletic activities and to better ensure the health and well-being of the entire school community.
On Friday, the Briarcliff faculty, staff and the administration conducted a virtual Superintendent Conference Day in preparation for remote access learning. I am confident that our staff is ready to adequately engage students in essential learning activities digitally, however, it won't be without some growing pains. On Monday, I have asked faculty to begin the process of connecting with students digitally. Please have your child(ren) look for information and invites from their classroom teachers on Monday with the intent of initiating instructional activities on Tuesday. Or, we ask that you be on the lookout should your child(ren) be an early elementary student. To the degree possible, clinical supports and related services will also begin this week. If your child(ren) receives such supports, please be on the lookout for information and invites from our clinical staff, our guidance counselors and our related service providers.
As discussed in my previous correspondences, the closure of our school programs will undoubtedly create hardship for both students and families. Our building principals, counselors and staff will be available to help should you or your child(ren) need support or if you are aware of friends and neighbors who may be struggling.
If, for any reason, you do not have internet access at home, please contact our Director of Technology at (914) 403-3086 or ebeasley@briarcliffschools.org. In hardship cases, the District is prepared to allow your child's school device to connect with Optium WiFi free of charge and without additional equipment. Should your children be food challenged in the event of school closures, please contact me at (914) 879-5018 or jkaishian@briarcliffschools.org. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.
Staff and I will be closely monitoring this situation and will communicate critical information and any change in nature or duration of this closure. Once again, thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these unprecedented times.
Very Sincerely,
Dr. James Kaishian
Superintendent of Schools