This past weekend, Governor Andrew Cuomo provided updates with Executive Order 202.11 related to the closure of schools through April 15, 2020. The update includes continuation of language in the original order:
“School Districts must continue plans for alternative instructional options, distribution of availability of meals, and child care, with an emphasis on serving children of essential workers and continue to first use any vacation or snow days remaining.“
Through communication with Dan Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Education to Governor Cuomo, it was made clear the expectation to provide continuity of learning (i.e. continued instruction) each day of the closure through April 15, 2020, including the previously calendared “Spring Recess” beginning April 6, 2020.
All districts are directed to follow this order of law. Furthermore, it is the right thing to do. We are in a time of uncertainty and this adjustment highlights the priority to family needs, ongoing communication, and continuity of learning for students.
Food
We will continue a delivery system for those requesting and receiving support. The next drop off is scheduled for Friday, April 3, to include 6 days of meals across the previously scheduled “Spring Recess” and the following Monday (April 6-13). The District is still accepting requests. For inquiry or sign-up, please contact [email protected]. For information and updates on food distribution, click here.
Child Care
If you are a parent or caregiver who needs child care, particularly serving children of essential workers, please complete this parent need for child care survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ.
Based on the information you provide about your job, employer, number of children, and financial need, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) may be able to help you find the child care program you need. It may be a challenge to find child care due to COVID-19 related program closures, however the staff members at OCFS are trying their best to support families to find the high quality child care that they need.
Learning
The approach of instructional delivery will continue to include asynchronous learning, landing pages of learning experiences, and in-time connections through live methods such as Zoom. This will now include the previously scheduled “Spring Recess” period of the Week of April 6, 2020. Click here to access the Online Learning Portal.
If you are in need of technology support please contact: [email protected]
Thank you for the continued hard work and partnership that is a strength of our community and vital to our working through this difficult time.
David C. Bills, Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee Central School District
