“Our last day of classroom instruction was March 13,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Pritchard. “We moved our spring Superintendent’s Conference Day to March 16 and made it virtual so that our schools could be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected while teachers prepared for distance learning.”

Distance learning launched March 31 and will extend through at least April 29, per Governor Cuomo’s April 6 directive. The district’s plan includes teacher-led, teacher-supported and independent learning in all courses, across all grade levels. “Developing tech-in-fused classrooms has been an integral part of our curriculum and professional development work for more than a decade. As a result, our students are already familiar with most of the online resources their teachers are using and how to access them,” explained Pritchard.

Despite the best efforts of students, families, staff and administrators, all are grappling with the consequences of an evolving global health crisis, including the personal health and financial impacts of the disease. “Students feel the stress of this situation in different ways,” acknowledged Pritchard. “Our school counselors, social workers, psychologists and prevention counselors are working collaboratively to reach out and support students both emotionally and academically.”

School board elections and budget votes have been delayed statewide until at least June 1. The information in this story was accurate as of the date of submission (April 9). Please visit www.socsd.org for updates.