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May 5: PAR Principal's Message

 

Dear Parsons Families,

The first week of May is recognized across the nation as Teacher Appreciation Week.  At Parsons, we believe every member of our staff is vital to our learning community and shares the responsibility of teaching your children.  I also remind and credit families every chance I get, because you are our students’ first teachers.  In a way unlike any other in recent history, families are working together with teachers in partnership as we continue Learning From Home.  While we have faced challenges throughout this time, we have also worked through them and discovered new strengths together. The bond between home and school is stronger than ever. 

I proudly observed our students this week and saw 5th graders engaged in a virtual science fair, presenting investigations and commenting on the work of classmates, and first graders work to identify and sort coins of different values. The Parsons version of Jeopardy’ with a Library twist,  engaged students, and the Morning Announcements returned!

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.

It continues to be a pleasure seeing your children engage in work with care, using their imagination, and focused attention each week!

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).