Dear Families,
This is my last newsletter to the most wonderful families I have had the pleasure to work with. It has been the highlight of my 30-year educational career to be the Principal of Todd School for four years, and personally a true pleasure to be of service to this amazing school community. Dreams really do come true! I am proud of all we've accomplished especially when I'm reminded that 3 of the 4 school years were impacted by a worldwide pandemic. Great things are happening at Todd, and I have no doubt they will continue to evolve in the capable hands of the next principal, Mrs. Foley, and the Todd Staff. Now, it's time to travel, golf and spend time with my precious grandchildren- we're anticipating the arrival of grandchild number 4 any day now!
I will miss this special community and hope that you will continue to embrace innovation, and change. Change is exciting and scary; it requires mutual trust between home and school. Curriculum, content, field trips, grade level activities, and instructional strategies need to change and evolve over time to meet the needs of the children. Standards, educational research, and data are forever changing and challenging the status quo, so remain open and curious when new possibilities are presented. At 64, I can tell you that change, and a growth mindset are the keys to building and strengthening confidence, resilience, and perseverance for children and adults.
In closing, I want to say thank you for being part of my journey. I'm sure I'll see many of you and the children at the pool, as we cheer on the swim team and on the playing fields and courts of Briarcliff for many years to come. Relax and enjoy the summer vacation.
Best Regards, Colleen
JUNETEENTH:
This weekend many of our Todd friends and families will be celebrating Juneteenth. "June 19th, or Juneteenth, is a holiday that commemorates the day that Texas, the last Confederate state, learned about the Emancipation Proclamation, marking the end of slavery in the United States in 1865." Many families celebrate with picnics, parades, and parties. Here is a link to the Smithsonian Museum if you'd like to learn more about this holiday: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth
SUMMER READING:
Todd 2022 Summer Reading Lists are now posted on our website: https://www.briarcliffschools.org/our-schools/todd-elementary-school/learning-resources/summer-reading-list Current 4th graders know to look for the assignment from their future 5th grade teachers. Have fun reading!
Families, also note that the Briarcliff Manor Public Library has an array of wonderful summer programming, and a summer reading incentive program. For more information, go to: https://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/summer/index.html
COVID-19 CASES:
Reported COVID-19 Cases Week of June 11th -17th : 0 Cases
Please make sure that you contact our Nurse, Mrs. Ricci-Cohen at ariccicohen@briarcliffschools.org, coneillmangan@briarcliffschools.org, afoley@briarcliffschools.org and your classroom teacher if your child tests positive for COVID.
LINK to the NY Dashboard: https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/#/home
Thank you for your continued partnership of shared responsibility and support in helping to keep our school and community safe and healthy. We want to assure you that our staff continues to follow the New York State Department of Health guidelines for social distancing in the classrooms and cafeterias. Please know that your child can wear a mask to school for an extra layer of protection.
 
SCHOOL CALENDAR MODIFICATION:
Please note that the district has modified the school calendar. Wednesday, June 22nd will be the last day of instruction for students. Dismissal will be at our usual time of 2:15. This modified schedule will provide our teachers with an opportunity to participate in two days of professional development for our new reading program.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Monday June 20th: No school for students: Juneteenth
Tuesday June 21st: Full day for students; regular dismissal
Tuesday June 21st: 5th grade Capstone Presentation & Moving Up Ceremony
Wednesday June 22nd: Last Day of classes for students: regular dismissal
Best Regards,
Colleen O'Neill-Mangan, Principal
Anne Marie Foley, Assistant Principal