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Coronavirus Update June 11

Update from the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education

Update: June 11 2020


Dear Harrison Families,

When our schools opened last fall, no one could have imagined we would end the year separated from students, unable to celebrate end-of-year milestones together, struggling to live with the effects of a global pandemic, and again stunned by injustice in our country.

The Coronavirus has impacted the world and our community on an unimaginable scale.  The pain of generations has surfaced in despair, anger, and sadness at the death of George Floyd and others, resulting in an ever more powerful outcry against racism and injustice in communities across the country, including Harrison.  There is no place for racism or injustice in our country, our community, or our schools.

Our Superintendent has consistently reminded us the children are watching.  Our children are watching, and they are speaking. We are always listening, and we hear our students raising important questions about race, equity, and social justice.  We value their voices, and we are listening and learning from them and each other.  Although summer is upon us, we will continue conversations with students throughout July and August, and into next year.  These conversations will inform and deepen our commitment to a school culture that sees, celebrates, and empowers all children.

Every child in our schools is provided an education that values them as unique individuals and ensures the support for them to achieve at the highest level.  Our mission of equity and access has guided every decision the District has made over the past twenty years.  It is why we implemented the International Baccalaureate Program in grades 6 through 12, which develops student understanding of their responsibilities as members of a global society that is ethnically, racially, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse.  The District is in pursuit of becoming a full IB District K-12. 

The District's mission of equity and access is why 95% of our students take IB or AP classes. It is why co-teaching classes are offered in every school.  It is why IB and AP exam fees are paid for every student. Our mission is why, for the second consecutive year, Harrison High School has been named a Recognition School, and for the first time, Preston Elementary School is a New York State Recognition School.  The Regents Chancellor notes, “Recognition Schools are exemplary public schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels with the right supports and resources.”  The Harrison community’s support of our mission has resulted in a high school recognized by U.S. News and the Challenge Index as among the best high schools in the nation for equity and excellence.

The Board of Education and Superintendent, together with the entire Harrison Learning Community, are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring the mission of our District is alive in our schools.  The work of educating our students never ends.  We are privileged to serve this community and your children.

The children are watching and questioning.  We hear them and will continue to listen, reflect, and grow together.  It is our work, our purpose, and our commitment to you.

Sincerely,

Louis N. Wool, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
Board of Education: Kelly Mulvoy Mangan, President; Lindy Wolverton, Vice President; Trustees: Dennis DiLorenzo, Noreen Lucey,  Kelly Kozak, Placido Dino Puccio, Robert C. Sullivan, Jr.