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Coronavirus Update April 16

Update from the Superintendent of Schools

Update: APRIL 16, 2020

“It is when we are most lost that we sometimes find our truest friends.”
                                                           Snow White, Brothers Grimm

Dear Harrison Learning Community,

In Grimm’s fairytale, Snow White is cast asunder by an unloving stepmother, her world seemingly without hope, and then she finds her truest friends. Today Governor Cuomo announced schools will remain closed through May 15, yet another dispiriting pronouncement for your children to endure. If school reopens on the 15th your children will have missed nine weeks of school.

School is not all they have missed. Many celebrated Easter and Passover, but this year grandparents received no hugs. No one could have imagined the way in which basic human interactions would change because of the Coronavirus. Despite outward appearances, the youngest of children and our teenagers are struggling, as are many adults. Caring for their and your emotional well-being is our most important work. 

I have encouraged living with optimism; I continue to believe it is our best hope for supporting your children. As each day passes, children are growing more concerned about all they have lost, and that the most meaningful school traditions - graduations, yearbook, and saying goodbye to friends may soon be lost as well. Your partnership in caring for their well-being and in preventing these lost moments has never been more important. I am examining every variable and planning for every possibility.  Together we will create an alternative to honor and celebrate our children and graduates. 

Your children, our students, will know when they are most lost, it is their parents and school district who are their truest friends. Principals and I have been planning to create alternative celebrations. Next week, I will meet with senior class officers and high school/middle school student council representatives. We are determined to conclude this school year by filling it with memories both positive and unique.

If you have not been receiving Tuesday communications from principals, you can find them at Learning from Home. We have made adjustments to instruction as virtual learning evolves based on feedback from parents, students, and faculty. We continue to work at improving the process to make it more adaptable and student/family-friendly.

In these extraordinarily challenging times, the morale of those around us requires our attention and sensitivity. I remind myself every day to lead with love, compassion, and to behave as if it is my responsibility to be everyone's truest friend. I am proud to be leading our school district,  grateful for our teachers, leadership team, and devoted staff, amazed at the selflessness of our Board of Education and parents, and inspired by the creativity and resilience of your children. 

Our Amazing Teachers and Students:
As we complete our fifth week of Learning From Home, teachers continue to enhance connections with students, and students express empathy for those valiantly serving our community.  Take a moment to celebrate the beauty and spirit of our Harrison school community.  

  • The entire Purchase faculty and staff begin the day by saying  “Hello”  to students.

  • The Preston community celebrates the character traits of Heroes. They learn we can all be heroes!

  • Third-grade students at Parsons share a special skill and a new way to create a “How To” by demonstrating and responding to each other on Flipgrid.

  •  In a show of appreciation for those who protect us, Harrison Avenue kindergarten students write thank you notes to first responders.

  • LMK Italian teacher Aurora Russo taught a virtual cooking class. Take a look at the delicious results!

  • Harrison High School Physical Education teachers celebrate Wellness Wednesday with the HHS students.

Live with optimism.

Sincerely, 

Louis N. Wool, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Important District Information and Updates

Census
We are encouraging every resident to complete the Census every 10 years.  The information is used to allocate resources that affect our daily lives, including funding for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and political representation through 2030. The Census does not request information on citizenship, social security or financial information. Help our District get their share of federal funds – fill out the census at 2020 Census or call 844-330-2020 (en Español 844-468-2020).

College Resource Page
The Harrison High School Guidance Department has developed a college resource webpage with information about how the Coronavirus has impacted the college process.  

SAT & ACT Tests
The College Board has canceled the administration of the June 3rd SAT test.
Future SAT Administrations, including September, can be found at the College Board.
The ACT rescheduled its April 4th test to June 13th. Updates regarding ACT tests are available on the COVID-19 Update page on the ACT website.