Happy November, Royals!
I am thrilled to say we have made it through our first quarter with great success.
We have all worked diligently over the past 10 weeks to transition back to school following both old and new routines, allowing us the opportunity to attend school in person five days a week. We became quickly acclimated to new safety protocols, and we addressed the looming social-emotional gaps that the pandemic brought upon us. I am beyond proud of the work that has been done by the faculty, staff, students and families since the first day of school.
Our students have settled in and are doing well with safety protocols including proper use of face masks, staying socially distanced, hand hygiene and more. These procedures seem like second nature by now.
Our teachers are working with in-person students while simultaneously working with students learning remotely. Juggling the academic, social and emotional needs of the students while learning and implementing the technology required for all students to be successful is an extensive undertaking, and our teachers have done an exemplary job doing so.
The support staff and building staff are working tirelessly to ensure arrivals and dismissals are structured; breakfast and lunches are delivered and distributed safely; students are accompanied to the bathrooms; handwashing schedules are followed; and that the building is sanitized continuously.
The biggest thanks of all goes to our families for your continued support. Your ongoing efforts with transportation, following safety protocols at home and more allow us to keep our students in school five days a week. We may not have been able to have such a successful start to the year without your help. Thank you!
It is through the teamwork of our students, families and staff that we are able to provide the safest possible learning environment. Great work, everyone. Let’s continue to work together to ensure our school community remains healthy.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Although we have had a difficult time during this pandemic, there are still many thanks to be shared. If you have not already done so, please review our travel advisory letter, which is readily available on our website. I strongly encourage you to do everything you can to celebrate the holidays in a way that prevents further COVID-19 spread and allows us to keep our schools open.
Thank you all for playing a vital role in keeping our students safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Yodis
Wynantskill UFSD Superintendent