Dear Briarcliff Families,
I hope that this correspondence finds you well as we continue to endeavor to meet these challenging times together. I am writing to update you on several matters. To start, I would like to confirm that the Governor has extended the period of school closures through Friday, May 15th.
So, when will things return to normal?
Over the last several weeks, I have been asked by students, staff and parents when our school programs and activities might get back to normal. The truth is, I do not know. Beyond a vigilance to stay informed and drawing from the collective wisdom of our school community, I have no more insight or predictive power than the average person. What I can suggest with confidence is that there will be a "new normal" should our schools re-open this year. I am also confident that this experience will strengthen us in ways we might not have imagined and bring us closer together as a school community in ways we may not have believed possible. As so eloquently declared by the Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, in her poem The Miracle of Morning (Click Here), "the question isn't if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather this unknown together."
What have we learned?
What began as a two-week hiatus from regular school activities has now entered its sixth week and will continue for at least several more. Over time, students, faculty, staff and parents have persisted admirably in adapting to this new reality. As the District strives to become more effective at delivering remote forms of instruction, perhaps the more difficult issue to overcome has been the distancing from each other. Powerful digital architecture and resources have helped to bridge the gap. In fact, in recent weeks, they have helped to spark innumerable examples of creativity and innovation. Yet, engaging students remotely fails to replicate the richness of our classroom environments and has yet to capture the fullness of students' daily interactions when at school. What we have learned is that relationships matter and will continue to be the key moving forward.
What should you expect?
As we head into our sixth week, teachers and staff across each school and all grade levels are looking to provide a more consistent level of live and/or recorded educational experiences. We have found that live interactions in conjunction with a solid lesson plan - live, recorded or written - have proven to be advantageous in ensuring student progress, encouraging active student engagement and promoting social and emotional wellbeing. It is our goal that all teachers will engage in a blend of these approaches as we progress through this extended period of school closure.
Now that the novelty of staying home has faded, many students are experiencing the stress and anxiety that often accompany loss and uncertainty. Parents, too, face increasing pressures as you manage new roles and responsibilities on top of old ones. Look for increased efforts from school staff to help kids and teens develop strategies and coping skills to deal with the isolation and angst associated with this crisis. Please talk to your child's teacher or reach out to school staff if your child is having particular difficulty with his or her schoolwork or adjusting to staying home.
The District's commitment to supporting families through this crisis will continue. 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 Optimum WiFi free of charge and without additional equipment. Should your family be food challenged, please contact me at jkaishian@briarcliffschools.org. If you are a first responder or essential worker and are in need of childcare, please contact Ms. Lori Breitman at lbreitman@briarcliffschools.org. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.
Even if students are able to return to school, it appears unlikely that a resumption of large gatherings in confined spaces will take place for the duration of this school year. However, plans are underway for important spring and end of year activities. These plans include live, blended and virtual options. For example, the District and High School Administration are reviewing current and alternate plans for the BHS Commencement Ceremony. Alternate plans might include a live event with a limited audience, a streamed event that would include student participation only or a fully virtual version of the ceremony.
The District will continue to promote student accomplishments via the school website and social media. Check out some of our most recent "good news" stories (Click Here) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
"It is our grief that gives us our gratitude." – Amanda Gorman
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a Middle School Staff Parade through town. The effort, arranged by Ms. Craven and the BMS teachers, included village personnel and members of the Briarcliff Manor Fire and Police Departments. Designed to buoy the spirits of kids, it seemed just what the doctor ordered. Yet, as we encountered the first students and families along the parade route, the weight of the emotional toll that the crisis has taken on everyone was evident. What was an extraordinary example of community spirit and resilience also served as a reminder that adults need to engage in self-care as well. For as we push aside our personal needs to ensure the wellbeing of children, or to engage in professional responsibilities, we need to remember that "you can't pour from an empty cup." Take care of yourselves - (Click Here) - for an article on self-help from the Harvard Medical School.
Stay safe and be hopeful.
Very Sincerely,
Dr. James Kaishian Superintendent of Schools
45 Ingham Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY - 10510 |