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May 5: PUR Principal's Message

 

Dear Purchase School Families,

The faculty and I miss your children more than ever. We are saddened by the governor’s order to close school for the remainder of the year, but committed to sustaining a meaningful learning experience and celebrating our students. Teachers continue to provide instruction in multiple ways and ensure the social and emotional well being of students. I have observed and shared in student learning through read-alouds, videos and even drawing lessons. I joined fourth-grade students for a lunchtime meet up. It was interesting to listen as students described their Learning From Home experiences. Their perseverance and resilience was evident in their observations. Second-grade students demonstrated understanding of measurement, students met in fitness club led by Mr. Poole, and Ms. DeLuca introduced a reading strategy to kindergarten students. Learning was alive in Purchase School!

Class Placement
As we plan for the 2020-21 school year, the process of class placement will soon begin. Decisions about class placement are made with the input and expertise of various school professionals to place children in the best educational and social environment. Families can share information with principals that they deem appropriate and relevant for the placement of their child(ren).  More information can be found  here. 

Third Grade Musical Instrument Selection
All 3rd Graders may choose an instrument to play the following year. We are happy to share that instrument selection will continue as we are learning from home. Your child's General Music teacher has posted videos of Band and Orchestra instruments in the 3rd Grade Google Classrooms to inform students' decisions. A Google Form will be posted for families to complete indicating their child’s instrument selection. Access your child's General Music Classroom page to complete the form. If you have questions, contact your child's music teacher or Lynn Fusco, Director of Fine & Performing Arts, at fuscoly@harrisoncsd.org.   

Kindergarten/New Student Registration
Kindergarten registration and all new student registrations for the 2020/21 school year are ongoing during the school closure.  Online registration is available at harrisoncsd.org. Click “Parents” menu, then “Student Registration.”  Email Michelle Marchese, District Registrar, with any questions: marchesemi@harrisoncsd.org. 

Learning From Home
Our teachers continue to innovate in the Learning From Home environment. They interact with students using pre-recorded videos, video conferencing, simulations, and virtual field trips.  Art, Music, and Physical Education teachers post lessons that can be completed at the student’s pace. If your child is struggling with assignments, please contact the teacher.

The District has a secure environment and utilizes platforms such as Google Hangouts/Meet and Zoom to facilitate communication between teachers and students.  Families can learn more about the District’s Video Conferencing Guidelines here.  Teachers receive ongoing support with digital platforms to interact effectively with students.  We are monitoring students’ experiences to ensure that learning is maximized. 

Family Resources: The District has resources that can be found at the Parent Resources tab at Learning from Home.  Family University K-5 offers suggestions for optimizing virtual learning.

I am privileged to witness each child’s persistence and creativity.

Sincerely,

Adam Gutterman
Purchase School Principal

Ongoing Items to Note:

  • The Governor has directed schools to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year.  
  • The District provides free breakfast and lunch for eligible students. If you are currently eligible but have not yet applied, please complete the request form.  If your circumstances have changed and you are in need of food assistance contact your principal. All inquiries are confidential.
  • If your child needs a device, if there is a problem with your equipment, or if your family does not have internet access, the District will provide a device and/or a mobile hotspot to deliver internet access. If you require technology support please complete this form. If you have questions contact Brian Seligman (914-630-3389) or (seligmanb@harrisoncsd.org).