Dear Merrick Family and Staff:

We have reached the end of the second week of school closure.  On March 18th, the first day of the Governor’s order to close school, we implemented the first phase of our continuity of learning plan.  After three days, we moved to a second phase, which initiated increased activities.  This will run through April 3.  It will allow everyone to adjust and evaluate the new approach.   Modifications may be forthcoming after that date.

This morning, Governor Cuomo announced that all New York State schools will remain closed until Wednesday, April 15th.  This date falls in the middle of our Spring Recess.  Our continuity of learning plan will continue with on-going instruction through Wednesday, April 8.   Spring Recess will begin on April 9 as scheduled.

Our return to school date, as of today will be Monday, April 20th.  Of course the return date may be altered by a future order from the Governor.

I greatly appreciate the commitment to the education of our children that both staff and families have made.  We have come so far in the twelve calendar days since school was first closed.  All of us have experienced a complete upheaval of our lives.  Yet it is evident that our faculty and families are working together for the benefit of the students.

Please note that our website has numerous resources including: student and parent wellness, special education, technology resources and support, and the weekly assignments.  Our teachers will continue to work with each family in the upcoming days.  Our mental health staff is available to provide support as needed.  Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, please email your school principal or assistant principal.

We will continue to meet this challenge as a community.  I wish you peace, happiness and health in the upcoming days.

Sincerely,

Dominick Palma
Superintendent of Schools
 
P.S. Check out: “First meetings using Zoom”.