4/2/2020
Greetings Parents & Guardians!

We are doing our part to flatten the curve. Our part in staying home, and our part in working with your children while we’re all staying home. This week my family and I painted rocks, had a few-day-long monopoly game, and played Wii Sports until my arm hurt. May your days be filled with joy, creativity, and the peace of flattening all of the curves.

As we continue to face school closure, we are working towards providing new ways to deliver instruction. Teachers are working hard to provide instruction through Google Classroom, Google Meet, along with a new program called Right Path.

This week the faculty started the process of training online in order to deliver lesson activities in ELA and Math virtually. Students in grades 3 through 5 will be receiving 3 lessons per week to complete in the Right Path realm. Below, you will find information on how students can log on to access these lessons.

It is very simple, with just a few clicks – it is flattening the curve. It is our hope to begin to engage students in these lessons starting April 13th. Please know that we would like to start off slow, to make this process as smooth (flat) and friendly as it can be for all of us. And, if you have any questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please watch this video for information on how students can login to Right Path and complete a lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRTvTzEZrbo

Student usernames are the same username they use to login to their computers. For example, mine is” j.roberts (first initial dot last name for most everyone).

The first time they log in, their password is “password” (without the quotes, all lowercase). They will then be prompted to create a new password to use going forward.

The Url to login can be found here: pineplains.veaonline.org

Many of the teachers have also made other learning activities available throughout the closure as well to support students and learning, and I’d like to thank them for their creativity and innovation. They may still continue to use some of these resources during this time. The Right Path Technologies allows us to provide consistent, aligned curricular resources to students while maintaining predictability, and uniformity for you all at home on a weekly basis.

For our youngest learners, grade 2 teachers will be communicating 3 lesson activities in Math and ELA a week. These learning activities will be posted through their teacher websites, and then followed up with digitally as well through Remind, Dojo, or Google Classroom.

Teachers are providing feedback to students on assignments, and Right Path also provides grades according to learning activities. Fourth quarter report card grades will be communicated on a Pass/Fail basis.

You all have been wonderful throughout this entire process, thank you. We are grateful for your collaboration. Please know that direction may change in these uncertain times, and different needs may arise that take us down new paths. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work through this together.

If internet access is an issue in your house, please refer to the COVID-19 resource page for assistance. If internet access continues to be in issue, please contact me, we will work with you.

Again, I wish to thank all of our families working as essential workers, healthcare providers and emergency responders. For you, and for all of us, we are staying home.

Be well!
Julie Roberts
Principal

Para los padres hispanohablantes:

Saludos Padres y Guardianes!

Estamos haciendo nuestra parte para aplanar la curva. Nuestra parte en quedarnos en casa y nuestra parte en trabajar con sus hijos mientras todos nos quedamos en casa. Esta semana, mi familia y yo pintamos rocas, tuvimos un juego de monopolio de unos días y jugamos Wii Sports hasta que me dolió el brazo. Que tus días se llenen de alegría, creatividad y la paz de aplanar todas las curvas.

A medida que continuamos enfrentando el cierre de la escuela, estamos trabajando para proporcionar nuevas formas de impartir instrucción. Los maestros están trabajando arduamente para proporcionar instrucción a través de Google Classroom, Google Meet, junto con un nuevo programa llamado Right Path.

Esta semana, la facultad comenzó el proceso de capacitación en línea con el fin de impartir actividades de lecciones en ELA y Matemáticas virtualmente. Los estudiantes en los grados 3 a 5 recibirán 3 lecciones por semana para completar en el ámbito del Camino Correcto. A continuación, encontrará información sobre cómo los estudiantes pueden iniciar sesión para acceder a estas lecciones.

Es muy simple, con solo unos pocos clics: está allanando la curva. Esperamos comenzar a involucrar a los estudiantes en estas lecciones a partir del 13 de abril. Tenga en cuenta que nos gustaría comenzar lentamente, para que este proceso sea lo más sencillo (plano) y amigable posible para todos nosotros. Y, si tiene alguna pregunta en cualquier momento, no dude en comunicarse.

Mire este video para obtener información sobre cómo los estudiantes pueden iniciar sesión en Right Path y completar una lección:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRTvTzEZrbo

Los nombres de usuario de los estudiantes son el mismo nombre de usuario que usan para iniciar sesión en sus computadoras. Por ejemplo, el mío es "j.roberts (primer punto inicial apellido para la mayoría de todos).
La primera vez que inician sesión, su contraseña es "contraseña" (sin las comillas, todo en minúsculas). Luego se les pedirá que creen una nueva contraseña para usar en el futuro.

La URL para iniciar sesión se puede encontrar aquí: https://pineplains.veaonline.org/login/index…

Muchos de los maestros también han puesto a disposición otras actividades de aprendizaje durante todo el cierre para apoyar a los estudiantes y el aprendizaje, y me gustaría agradecerles por su creatividad e innovación. Todavía pueden seguir usando algunos de estos recursos durante este tiempo. Right Path Technologies nos permite proporcionar recursos curriculares consistentes y alineados a los estudiantes mientras mantenemos previsibilidad y uniformidad para todos ustedes en casa semanalmente.

Para nuestros alumnos más jóvenes, los maestros de segundo grado comunicarán 3 actividades de lecciones en matemáticas y ELA a la semana. Estas actividades de aprendizaje se publicarán a través de los sitios web de sus maestros y luego se seguirán digitalmente a través de Remind, Dojo o Google Classroom.

Los maestros están brindando retroalimentación a los estudiantes sobre las tareas, y Right Path también proporciona calificaciones de acuerdo con las actividades de aprendizaje. Las calificaciones de la boleta de calificaciones del cuarto trimestre se comunicarán con base en Aprobar / Reprobar.

Todos ustedes han sido maravillosos durante todo este proceso, gracias. Agradecemos su colaboración. Tenga en cuenta que la dirección puede cambiar en estos tiempos inciertos, y pueden surgir diferentes necesidades que nos llevan por nuevos caminos. Apreciamos su flexibilidad y comprensión mientras trabajamos juntos en esto.

Si el acceso a Internet es un problema en su hogar, consulte la página de recursos de COVID-19 para obtener ayuda. Si el acceso a Internet continúa siendo un problema, contácteme, trabajaremos con usted.

Nuevamente, deseo agradecer a todas nuestras familias que trabajan como trabajadores esenciales, proveedores de atención médica y personal de respuesta a emergencias. Para usted y para todos nosotros, nos quedamos en casa.

¡Que estes bien!
Julie Roberts
Directora

3/27/2020

3/18/2020

Good Evening, Families,

We live in interesting times! It was great to see most of you during pick-up hours. For those of you who weren't able to make it, don't worry, there are a lot of resources available online that you can use, most you can access from a phone.

Here are some updates on how we can help:

Thanks to our fabulous Tech Integrator, Ms. Palmieri, we now have a tab directly on the district website (ppcsd.org) for notices, academic resources, and meals. You can find it directly here:

https://www.ppcsd.org/domain/289

Many of you know my daughters go to the Arlington District. That's also where I graduated from, and where I taught for 8 years. They are a powerhouse in terms of personnel and resources, so I'm sharing what they put together since they have so many educators working together, and as educators, the saying goes, "You don't have to reinvent the wheel." Their resource page can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/…/1qE8mXTeQzMNFwroQLHHjgUqkqCEFRzT6

Orange-Ulster BOCES published resources found here:
http://ouboces.org/news.cfm?story=2882&school=0

In terms of continuing education during the closure related to COVID-19,all of these sites list a variety of web-based applications that students can use. Please note that the school district does not operate or maintain those sites; as such, parents may use them at their own discretion.

UPDATE TO PROCESS – MEALS FOR STUDENTS IN NEED

After our first day of meal prep and delivery we are attempting to streamline the process. We will be contacting families who have already requested meals to confirm meals for the duration of the school closure.

Updated Process

We are providing bag lunches and breakfasts to students in need. Delivery will occur M-F for the duration of the closure.
To request meals please email mealorder@ppcsd.org. Requests received by 6pm will be filled the next business day.
Once you request meals we will deliver them for the duration of the school closure.
Should you no longer need meals at any point during the closure please contact mealorder@ppcsd.org to update us.
Your request must include the name of the person picking up the meals and the names of the students/children that the meals are for. Please indicate if your students have any nut allergies we should be aware of.
Meals can be picked up at the VOTER ENTRANCE of the Jr/Sr High School between 8:30-10:30am M-F.
If you cannot pick up your meals and need them delivered please provide address as well as any indicators such as house color etc. as well as if you have dogs or animals to be aware of.
Deliveries will be made by District Employees who are volunteering to do so. They will have their school ID. Meals will be left at the front door of the residence so as not to force contact or put people at risk of illness. Volunteers may be in a school vehicle OR their personal vehicle. Again, they will drop the food at the front door.

Child Care:

Child-care services for first responders and health care workers:
During the school year, PPCSD partners with Health Kids to provide before and after care for school aged children. During this time of need, we are continuing to partner with Healthy Kids to provide child-care services for first responders and health care workers. Currently, Healthy Kids is operating out of their Poughkeepsie location. Should there be an increased need for a more localized service, we will do what we can to make that available. Below, please find contact information should you be in need of their services:

(845) 247-5572

103 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie - Children under 3
70 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie - Children 5-12

www.healthykidsprograms.com
Parents can register for the program on our website.

I also have a name of another babysitting reference available if needed.

As always, if you have any questions, or concerns, feel free to reach out to myself, or your child's teacher.
As of this evening, the school is closed, even to myself. Custodians will remain on site through the rest of the week, cleaning, and then they too will be home, staying safe, with their families. I extend my appreciation and gratitude to them always!

If you know of a parent or guardian who wishes to add their email to our Student Management System, please have them email me or Mrs. Lounsbury j.roberts@ppcsd.org, and k.lounsbury@ppcsd.org

Be safe, stay home, do your part, and be well!

Julie Roberts
Principal, even at home in my PJs!

3/16/2020

Good Monday!

Thank you all for your flexibility and patience as we navigate these waters as educators, as parents, and as a community. Currently, school will resume March 30th. As things change by the hour, I'm sure that will change as well, and we will be in contact! The faculty has prepared some materials to help keep the kids going academically as the days pass.

The school will be available to parents Monday (today), Tuesday, and Wednesday this week (8am-3pm) for you to come and pick up learning materials, laptops, and needed clothing left behind. Please be patient with us, we'll ask that you wait outside, and we'll send a runner to get the materials for you. The building will be closed for a deep clean Thursday and Friday this week. If it is impossible for you to pick up between 8-3, please let me know and I can also try and make arrangements outside of those hours.

Spectrum has offered students access to free wifi for 60 days. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395 - just passing along that information - it's for new student households as I read the advertisement.

There are to be no organized activities by the school or on school grounds, even if it's less than 20 people. Please help do your part and stay home.

CSE Annual Review meetings are cancelled and will be rescheduled when we return. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Babcock at j.babcock@ppcsd.org

Our teachers will be checking their emails twice a day while we are out of school. All of our email are first initial (dot) last name @ppcsd.org. For example mine is j.roberts@ppcsd.org.

Meal Pickup During COVID-19 Closure: Beginning Wednesday, March 18th, the District will be providing free breakfast and lunch to those students requesting it. Please email the number of meals needed by 7pm the night before (or no later than 7am the day of pickup) to the following email address: mealorder@ppcsd.org. Include the number of meals required and the names of those needing meals. Meal pickup will be between the hours of 8:30am and 10:30am at Stissing Mt. Jr./Sr. High School at the doors marked Voter Entrance. If delivery is required, please include that information in your email including the delivery location. Every effort will be made to provide delivery of meals as needed.

Recoger comida durante el cierre por el COVID-19

A partir del miércoles, 18 de marzo, el distrito les proporcionará desayuno y almuerzo gratis a todos los estudiantes que lo pidan. Por favor envíe un correo electrónico con la cantidad de comida que se necesita antes de las 7 de la noche anterior (o a más tardar de las 7 de la mañana el día que se recoge la comida) a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico: mealorder@ppcsd.org. Es importante que incluya la cantidad de comida que se necesita y los nombres de los que necesiten la comida. Se puede recoger la comida entre las 8:30 y 10:30 de la mañana en Stissing Mt. Jr./Sr. High School en las puertas etiquetadas como Voter Entrance. Si se necesita pedir la comida para entrega a domicilio, por favor, hay que incluir esa información en su correo electrónico incluyendo el lugar/la dirección donde entregaremos la comida. Intentaremos de entregar la comida lo mejor possible según se necesite.

PTA officers will be contacting people regarding the Gertrude Hawk fundraiser orders by phone Thursday or Friday this week. They can also be reached at pineplainselementaryPTA@yahoo.com

Here is a list of open lines of communication by grade and teacher:
A'Brial - Dojo
Cantey - email, and soon website l.cantey@ppcsd.org
Reichelt - Dojo
Fischetti - Remind, to join text "@fischetti" to 81010
Colgan - email c.colgan@ppcsd.org
Donnelly - Remind, to join text "@78943bb" to 81010
Campbell - Remind, to join text "@971779" to 81010
Chase - Remind
LaRobardier - Remind, to join text "@ac4hk9" to 81010
Stark - Remind, to join text "@9fh23c" to 81010, Google Classroom
Berardo - Remind, to join text "@g9cc88" to 81010
Proper - Dojo, code: PVNR52QF9
Rundall - website
Brocco - Mrs. Reichelt's Dojo
Marchese - Dojo code PVGNEF6ZB
Zayas - he will call you, he is setting up Remind, check his website and KidBlog
Solazzo - website (under CS faculty)
Rizzo - Dojo

Thank you to all of our faculty who has done a tremendous job trying to put things together on such short notice. Thanks to Mrs. Lounsbury, and Mrs. Funk who continue to be a huge help. Thanks to our fantastic custodial crew as well!

Feel free to send me photos or videos to post on our facebook page. I will also post resources there. I have a request for a firm "DO YOUR WORK" video parents can show when the kids get a little squirrelly. Thank goodness it's spring, and the sun is shining, and we live in a rural area to be able to enjoy the outdoors.

We are thinking of all of you! Be well! If you need anything, please reach out! Sorry for the late email, I knew my teachers were in touch already, and I was running up and down the 3 flights of stairs answering the door! Got my steps and stair goals in by noon!

Warmly, (but without fever!),
Julie Roberts

LAPTOP HICCUP:
Hi folks,

Since we didn't know,...not having our kids take home laptops before,...they have to log in on them at school (on that machine in particular) before they'll work from home. So for those of you who already have them and are unable to get on, hop back to school (any district building) and have your child log in - the laptop will automatically connect to the wifi here - even from the sidewalk.