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May 5: PRE Principal's Message

 

Care for Yourself, Care for Others, Care for Preston ( and your home)
We Belong Together!

Dear Preston Families, 

Last week, I had my first virtual exercise class. While I missed the health benefits of the class, what I missed most was connecting with my instructor. My experience made me realize how your children feel when they experience a virtual class meeting; they connect with their classmates and teachers while learning academics. 

Acclaimed writer, Maya Angelou, said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Now that school will remain physically closed, strengthening our connection with your children is essential. It is our goal to have students feel connected, inspired, and cared for during remote learning.  

This week, we will practice the habit of empathy by hosting a virtual character day. More information will be shared with your children by their teachers. Please see the Preston Monday Message. Last week, third graders held their annual idiom parade virtually. Please view it if you haven't had the chance. 

Explaining to children that school will remain closed is a challenge. Their hope that they would return to school may turn into feeling hopeless. We will do our best to keep your children inspired and optimistic while Learning From Home. If you want support on how to communicate this message, please contact your child's teacher, school psychologist, or me.  

The Scholastic Virtual Book Fair has begun! This is an excellent opportunity for your children to grow their independent reading library. Please see the PTA email regarding the logistics of the book fair.

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.

In honor of teacher appreciation week, thank you for acknowledging the heroic work and efforts of our teachers.  They are heroes! 

Gratefully,

Dennis Kortright
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).