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May 12: PAR Principal's Message

 

Dear Parsons Families, 

First, a collective “thank you” on behalf of the Parsons faculty and staff to each of you for your outpouring of support and show of appreciation throughout “Teacher Appreciation Week.”  Your messages, pictures, and videos filled us all with joy.  The video.photos of your children brought comments from faculty and staff such as, “It was so awesome to see all those faces!; That was beautiful!; That was amazing! Pass the tissues!; Thanks for sending them...it brightened my day!”

As I mentioned last week, families are working with teachers unlike any other time in recent history as we continue Learning From Home. While we have faced some challenges, we also have worked through them and discovered new strengths. The bond between home and Parsons School is stronger than ever. #WeAreParsons!

Throughout the week I observed students at all grade levels. Parsons celebrated poetry by using their creativity in writing mico-poems.  First grade students continued their deep dive into character books, identifying key aspects and giving a retell, primary grade students learning English as a new language worked at identifying new sight words, and 5th-grade band students continue to practice and share their musical development.

End-of-Year Celebrations
The last weeks of the school year are a time for students to reflect on the growth they made in their academic and social-emotional skills.  It is also a time for traditional celebrations that honor the completion of a school year and preparation for the next. Year-end celebrations will contain the spirit of tradition but differ in execution, in particular, the 5th-grade graduation. The school and district leadership teams are finalizing options for graduation and will communicate plans so families can prepare.  In the meantime, we look forward to continued learning during the next several weeks of school.

Summer Programs
It is not yet known if summer programs for students will be virtual, on-site, or a blended model.  Whatever the model, we will assess students’ progress Learning from Home.  Where necessary, we will adjust curriculum, consider how students develop mastery, while paying careful attention to their social-emotional well-being. Our decisions will be informed by research and best practices to ensure students grow academically and social-emotionally. In preparation for elementary summer programs and the opening of school in September, teachers will continue to receive professional development on remote teaching and learning. 

Instrument Selection for 3rd graders
A reminder to all 3rd Graders to access the instrument selection form on their General Music teacher's Google Classroom page. The form was made available today and is due on May 19th. If you have any questions, please contact your child's music teacher or Lynn Fusco, Director of Fine & Performing Arts, at fuscoly@harrisoncsd.org.

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.

Kindergarten/New Student Registration
Kindergarten registration and 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. 

Huskies for Hope Book Readings by Harrison’s Varsity Athletes: Harrison High School Varsity athletes read their favorite childhood books aloud for younger children to enjoy in an effort to raise money for local charities. Donations are not required to access the read-alouds. Support Huskies for Hope.

Learning From Home
Our teachers continue to innovate in the Learning From Home environment. If you have any questions about your child’s progress please contact the teacher or me.  

A highlight of my week continues to be observing your children’s engagement in their work and inspired thinking!

Sincerely,

Mark Woodard
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).
  • 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.