September 9, 2020
Dear North Shore Parents, Community Members, and Faculty, I am super excited to welcome our students and North Shore families, faculty, and staff back to school tomorrow. Kites really do rise highest against the wind (not with it). Please click on the link below to watch my Welcome Back “Beach” video, and yes, a kite is definitely involved!
As you are aware, we have been doing a lot of planning and preparation to make sure our schools are safe for your return tomorrow. Last Thursday, I welcomed back all of our North Shore faculty and staff for Superintendent’s Conference Day. It is always one of my favorite days of the year, and this year was no exception. It was so wonderful to see everyone back in preparation for the new school year. Your principals and administrators have been working around the clock to make sure that we are ready to receive students either in-person or remotely tomorrow. Your teachers have been getting their classrooms ready to be beautiful, safe, and healthy spaces for teaching and learning. In addition, North Shore’s buildings and grounds staff have been making sure that signage related to social distancing, PPE, outdoor learning canopies, and hand hygiene stations are set up and ready to go for the first day of classes!
At all of our schools and on our school buses, we will be following the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and New York Department of Health (NYDOH) guidelines regarding COVID-19. Prior to entering our buses and/or buildings, everyone will need to have a temperature screening and fill out the attestation questions. Specific directions will be forthcoming from each principal about arrival and dismissal procedures. With the exception of a mask break, face coverings must be worn at all times. Everyone will be reminded to wash your hands and socially distance whenever possible throughout the school day. These guidelines are mandatory at our schools and we ask all of families to continue to discuss them with your children at home. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority so we are going to be very vigilant about these items that are simple to do and have a significant impact upon keeping ourselves and the members of our community safe.
These are exciting but anxious times for everyone including myself. I truly understand, however, I ask that you continue to notice the good, be patient and flexible, and be the best versions of yourself. During the pandemic, we have seen the profound impact and evidence that the acts of a few will impact the lives of so many. As we embark on this new school year, our sense of community and commitment to one another has never been more important. Please remember that we are all in this together and I truly believe that we will soar to the highest of heights in the 2020-21 school year.
On behalf of our Board of Education, principals, teachers and entire North Shore staff, please know how much we have all missed you. Get a good night’s rest Vikings, and take good care of yourselves and your families. We just can’t wait to see you in our schools or virtually tomorrow!
Let’s show the world what it means to be #VikingStrong and know that we’ve so got this!!
Go Vikings, Go!!