Community and Families

April 21, 2020

Good Morning Families,

It is with great appreciation for what you are doing and how you handling this difficult time that I write this update. We are being challenged like never before and I am very grateful that our parents and students have met this challenge with courage. This is the same courage that I have witnessed from the community since I came to Stockbridge.

I know this is tough! I also know that all of you and all of us together are tougher! When this ends, and it will end, we will learn from this and our practice will improve. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your teacher, the principals, or me.

WELCOME ANDREA STABAK
I would like to introduce Andrea Stabak as the High School Principal. She is a familiar face to the students and staff as she served as the Education Technology Leader (ETL) for more than a year. It is a unique time in our history to be taking on a leadership role as important as the High School Principal position and I am confident that Andrea will do this with grace and excellence. Mrs. Walker, the Interim High School Principal will be working alongside Andrea to provide a smooth transition.  

ANDREA PAONI
I would also like to welcome Andrea Paoni to our team. Andrea is taking over for Andrea Stabak as our Technology Coordinator. Her official title is Education Technology Leader (ETL). We all look forward to working with Andrea Paoni and learning from her expertise. Her first charge will be to help us solve the district’s connectivity issues.

SENIOR TRIP
Unfortunately, the senior trip needs to be canceled this year. The final payment is due prior to our anticipated re-opening. We want to ensure that none of our families lose any money and with the uncertainty of the state of the pandemic, it is necessary for us to cancel.

iPADS
We are diligently working to find a way to add filtering to iPads so that we can deploy these to our students in grade K-3. Filtering is regulation from the state. One of the many learnings that we have had during this crisis is that we need to move to Chromebooks for our K-3 students.

PROM
At this time, the Prom has been postponed until the fall. We will share details as they become available.

UPDATES

SCHOOL CLOSURE- UPDATED
Governor Cuomo announced on 4-16-2020: “New York will stay on PAUSE for an additional two weeks through MAY 15th. 
School is scheduled to re-open on MAY 18, 2020 unless the Governor extends the closure further.

SPRING SPORTS
Spring sports remain on “pause” until May 18, 2020.

GRADING
First a reminder about third marking period grading;

FOURTH MARKING PERIOD and FINAL GRADES- UPDATED
We continue to work on a plan for fourth quarter grades and final grades.

REMINDERS

CHILD CARE NEEDS
During the current health crisis, you may be considered an essential employee who is still required to work. Child care placement is available to personnel who provide essential services, supplies, or support during this time. For a full list of personnel who may qualify, please visit the district’s website. If you believe that you may qualify, please call the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Child Care Resource Center at 315-223-7850 extension 222. Thank you to all essential personnel who continue to protect and support our community.

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Our food service department continues to support students who are food dependent on the district. NYSED has provided guidance that schools may continue to provide breakfasts and lunches to children during school closures related to COVID-19. Information regarding ‘Grab and Go” meals can be found at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHcewIQqFbkxpJt26difNSqXoedOYvz6fSS7g0wDcqjr65Ew/viewform

JUNE REGENTS EXAMS
The New York State Education Department has cancelled the regents exams for June 2020. All students that are enrolled in regents level courses are exempt from the requirement to take and pass the exam this June. Students that are scheduled to graduate in June will also be exempt from this requirement and; therefore, will be eligible to graduate.

AUGUST REGENTS EXAMS
The Department has yet to make a decision about the August 2020 administration of Regents Examinations and will issue a separate announcement when such decision is made.

NYSED INFORMATION for FAMILIES
The New York State Education Department has begun to produce some informational items and guidance documents for schools and families. The commissioner has also recently written a letter to families throughout the State. A copy of the commissioner's letter can be found here: Commissioner's Family Letter 

NYS HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEWS
NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency. Visit them at: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov if you need assistance with health insurance.

GOVERNOR CUOMO IS ALSO THINKING ABOUT OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND ANNOUNCED
“The State is partnering with the company Headspace to provide New Yorkers with free meditation and mindfulness resources. We can't underestimate the impact this public health crisis has on mental health. New Yorkers can access a collection of free guided meditations, along with at-home mindfulness exercises and additional resources to help address rising stress and anxiety. Visit www.headspace.com/ny”

Thank you all for everything that you are doing! 

Stay Safe,

Cindy Stocker,
Superintendent