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Community Letter Regarding Elmira City School District
Transitioning to Distance Learning on Monday, October 26, 2020
Dear Elmira City School District Families,
In learning from Governor Cuomo’s press conference today (October 21), parts of Chemung County have moved to level orange and parts to level yellow status relative to cases of COVID-19.
As determined by the Office of the Governor of New York State, the Elmira City School District will move to remote instruction beginning Monday October 26, 2020. Because this is not an emergency closure, we plan to remain in a hybrid model through the remainder of this week. Cohort B will attend in-person learning as planned this Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, 2020.
Please note: All students, including hybrid students, will connect remotely beginning October 26, 2020.
Parents will receive more information about daily schedules from their building principals and teachers. Information will be posted in students Schoology folders, by email, and through auto-voice calls.
Our staff and administration have prepared for this in numerous ways in order to best serve our families. We have established strong supports around our virtual learning platform (Schoology). From re-assigning classroom teachers to virtual-only teachers, to Parent Academy sessions to learn the nuances of Schoology, we feel as though our District is best optimized to make this shift smoothly. With that said, we know there will be bumps in the road. We are committed to a high standard of education and delivery as well as understanding and patience.
In order to best support our families, the District has prepared the following supports in anticipation of virtual learning:
• Scheduled Parent Academy virtual sessions to best support our families have been scheduled and posted to the District website.
• We will be updating the District website daily and ask that you check there for updates regarding your students’ needs.
• Our Food Services Department is providing meal assistance for families who would like to participate throughout the school year. If you would like to pick-up weekly meals for those days your child is learning at home, please
click here to register.
• Social and emotional support is available for our students during these difficult transitional times. If your child would like to connect with a school counselor, please call the school directly to make arrangements.
Like you, we want our students in our buildings. However, the health and safety of our students, staff, families, and the entire community are the driving factors behind this decision. We ask that everyone follow best practices and wear masks, maintain safe distancing, and wash hands well and often.
As a strong and proud Elmira community, we encourage you to join us in championing "An Attitude of Fortitude" through the days and weeks to come. Empowering our students with positivity, especially during these challenging times, is one of the best things we can provide for our youth. In the Elmira City School District, we believe in the power of fortitude -- inspired by the strength we gain when staying courageous throughout adversity.
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If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact the Health Department at 607-737-2028 or your health care provider. If you have questions about your child’s education, please contact your school office.
Thank you and be well,
Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District