• February 10, 2021

    Dear Parents/Guardians, Faculty, and Staff:

    Both Lenape Elementary School and New Paltz Middle School will need to shift from our hybrid learning schedule to remote learning for Thursday, February 11, and Friday, February 12 due to a shortage of staff. Our principals will send parents the details of any scheduling changes created by this shift. 

     

    The reason for the staff shortage is partially positive. While we do have several staff members who are currently required to quarantine, we also have numerous others who are scheduled to receive either their first or second dose of the vaccine tomorrow. Each vaccine administered brings us one step closer to being together in our classrooms again on a regular basis. This is hopeful. Unfortunately, many of those who have received the second dose of the vaccine are reporting side effects that would prevent them from passing the daily health screening and therefore may require them to submit to a COVID-19 test prior to a return to work. This is causing an increase in necessary absences and has the potential to continue to be an issue until updated guidance on managing side effects is provided by the Department of Health. 

     

    We certainly understand the burden that this change places on parents and the impact that a shift to remote has on our students. These remain challenging times, but providing a safe environment for everyone must always be the first priority. This is not possible with the current shortage of available staff and the inability to find adequate substitute coverage. 

     

    Parents who would like to have school meals delivered to homes can do so by completing this form located at https://bit.ly/3a5LfH8. 

     

    In the meantime, please continue to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, avoid large crowds, practice social distancing, and stay home from school and work when you are sick. We must each do our part to ensure our schools can open safely by making good—and sometimes difficult—decisions.