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April 14: PAR Principal's Message

Dear Parsons Families,

I hope this message finds you all well and for those who observe them, a hope that you enjoyed your time during the Passover and Easter holidays.  Finding meaningful time to spend with family and friends, in person, or through the use of technology, keeps us all connected as we support each other in many different ways.

Students and teachers throughout Parsons remain highly engaged with each other and our school community.  Looking across our school and our students’ work brings me pride and joy each day. Last week began with a video for the school shared by kindergarten teacher Mrs. Nardi and her family giving us all an idea to make some rainbows to brighten all of our days.  This was soon followed by a science investigation for the school teaching us how to make candy rainbows with Mrs. Almeida and her family.  Throughout the week students could be found labeling their work in a kindergarten class, investigating materials and using describing words while creating in a second grade class, “doodling” an artistic tribute to “our finest in blue,” and sharing ideas in a third grade class with a new way to create a “How To” by demonstrating and responding to each other on Flipgrid, to name just a few examples!

Learning From Home:
Teachers in all areas have been working in collaboration with the school and district leadership teams to plan for the delivery of this content. We will monitor the implementation of new material to ensure that students find the information accessible, engaging, and supportive.  It is our goal that students are progressing with their grade level’s content and skills. Your child will engage in some or all of the following:

 Daily instruction that is aligned to the District’s core curriculum in English Language Arts and mathematics emphasizing essential content and skills supplemented by self-directed online learning opportunities. 

  • Lessons will include morning messages and/or meetings, read-alouds, using mentor texts, mini-lessons in reading, writing, and math as well as instruction in foundational skills. 

  • Teachers will utilize a range of remote learning tools and resources to maximize academic engagement and interactivity including pre-recorded video, written assignments, simulations, virtual field trips and video conferencing. 

  • Other instructional support will be provided to students by classroom teachers, special educators, English as a New Language and academic interventionists on a scheduled basis.

  • Encore subjects (e.g. music, art, library, physical education) will be delivered on a rotating 6-day schedule. 

Some items to note:
The Governor has directed schools to remain closed until April 29, 2020.  

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).   

I look forward to seeing even more of your children's exciting work, creative responses, and innovative thinking on display throughout the coming week!

Sincerely,

Mark Woodard
Principal