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March 31: PUR Principal's Message

 

Dear Purchase School Families,

I hope you are well and had a successful second week of Learning From Home. Every day, I am moved by stories that demonstrate the deep connection between our teachers and your children. Teachers have been posting morning message videos to their students each day, and students are so excited to see these daily videos that many of them have been sending video responses back to their teachers.

Heartwarming student-teacher interactions are happening every day, and I am incredibly proud of the work of our faculty and staff to provide consistent instruction and support to our students. We strive to create a learning environment that is adaptable and supportive to all students. Your children are never far from our thoughts and remain the guiding force behind our work. As time passes and learning from home continues to evolve, our teachers and leadership team continually look at new ways to provide meaningful instruction and interaction with students.

Thank you for your participation in parent/teacher conferences. We are working to get report cards to you shortly.

A few updates and reminders…

Clubs and Activities: Our after and before school clubs continue virtually, and club advisors will be reaching out to your children as well.

Meals for Eligible Students: The District is providing free breakfast and lunch for eligible students. We are changing and streamlining this process to make it easier for families and volunteers. Beginning Monday, March 30th meal distribution will be reduced to twice a week: Monday and Wednesday between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  Monday pickup includes breakfast and lunch for two days. Wednesday pickup provides breakfast and lunch for three days. 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 please contact your principal. All inquiries are confidential. 

Technology for Students: If you are struggling with limited internet access, Xfinity internet service providers have opened up all of their public wifi points to anyone.  Please read if you would like further information. There are also many hotspots located in our community that can be searched by using this map. If you require further access to technology or a device, please complete the request form or reach out if you need further technology support. If you have questions about technology contact Brian Seligman (914-630- 3389) or (seligmanb@harrisoncsd.org).

Social Distancing: Medical experts agree that social distancing is the most effective way to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. Experts recommend we all behave “as if” we have the virus and limit contact with others.  We encourage you to follow the social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and refrain from playdates, pick up games, and other group activities and other interactions outside of your family. In accordance with these safety guidelines, all school playgrounds are closed.

Last week, I sat in on a virtual class “show and share” in which the students expressed how much they missed their teacher, each other, and our school. I had the privilege of experiencing first-hand how much our students and teachers genuinely care for each other. Sometimes in the midst of it all, our children remind us what matters most.  

Our partnership with you, our families, is stronger than ever. We are navigating many new experiences through distance learning together, and feel privileged to partner with you in these endeavors. We appreciate your engagement and are here to help in whatever ways possible. We will continue to support learning from home for our students for as long as it is necessary. However, please know we miss your children as much as they miss us and cannot wait for when we all are back at Purchase School together. 

Sincerely,
                                                     
Adam Gutterman
Purchase School Principal