O-A Superintendent Green Issues Update on Closing, Food, Learning and Tests

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Owego Apalachin Central School District
Corey A. Green
Superintendent of Schools
5 Sheldon Guile Blvd.
Owego, NY 13827
(607)687-7307 x7001
[email protected]
March 26, 2020
Dear Owego Apalachin Families,
We hope that this note finds you all healthy and managing as best as can be. We miss seeing everyone on
campus, but have been embracing new ways to connect as a community. I’m sure that will only build over
time. I’m writing today with a few brief updates and some follow-up information.
1. Closure: We are still only officially closed through April 13th. As we have from the beginning, we will
continue to work with local emergency management staff, the Tioga County Health Department, the
County Executive, the State Education Department, and ultimately the Governor’s office to determine
our status for closing or opening beyond April 13th. Health and safety continue to be our primary
concern. Our facilities are closed and almost all staff are working remotely. By emergency order of
the State of New York: use of district playground equipment and athletic fields is prohibited at this
time.
2. Food: We will continue to offer bagged breakfasts and lunches for children 18 and under with some
very important changes to that schedule.
Tomorrow, Friday March 27th from 10am-1pm pick up will be available at AES and OES. We
will also have 3 buses delivering food to specific drop locations during the times listed here:
Friday Bus Food Drop Locations And Times.
Food Changes Beginning Monday, March 30th: In an effort to limit contact and reduce families and
staff having to come out daily, we will offer meal pick up on Mondays and Thursdays ONLY, from
10am-1pm and 4pm-6pm in the OES Loop and now at the Apalachin Fire Station instead of AES (see
note below.) Families will receive meals to last them multiple days. Friday’s bus route schedule will
remain the same. If transportation is an issue, please call us at 607-687-7307 x7777 and leave a
message requesting delivery. Our website will always show the most updated meal options.
Note on AES location change: We are changing the Apalachin location in order to begin a plumbing
repair at AES that was previously scheduled for spring break. This will allow for the necessary time
that is now needed. We appreciate the Apalachin Fire Station (230 Pennsylvania Ave., Apalachin)
being able to help with our food distribution.
**Also note that the meals will still be available during the week of April 6th-13th (Spring Break). The
schedule for the week of Spring Break will be announced during the week prior.
3. Learning: We are very proud of the work that has been done to move our PreK-12 in-person
experience to a virtual one. Our staff has done an excellent job of getting this work started while
managing the impact of this situation on their own families. They have carefully considered how to start this the right way and provide materials and experiences that are meaningful now. I’d like to
thank the community for their feedback, and our teachers for their hard work on this. Your kids should
be tuning in and taking part. Thank you for continuing to help your child engage with their teacher(s).
We will continue to provide high quality learning experiences for our students to the best of our ability.
Are you having difficulty with technology or are you in need of a student device or internet access?
Please communicate that with your teacher or school counselor, or leave a message on the district
helpline, so we can assess how best to support you.
Additionally, April 6th-April 13th is our regularly scheduled Spring Break and will be treated as such!
Both students and staff will be taking this time off to rest and enjoy time with their families. No school
work will need to be completed during this time, and teachers will not be scheduling any formal
meetings.
4. Testing: We have been informed that 3-8 testing has been canceled for this year. No word yet on
Regents exams, and we don’t expect to hear for some time. We have received word from the College
Board on arrangements that are being made to provide remote testing opportunities for AP Exams.
Here is a link to all of the information: AP Updates for Schools Impacted by Coronavirus. We’re
working on processing this with our staff and OFA administrators and teachers will be addressing this
directly with students.
5. Connecting with You: We have opened a new ThoughtExchange Survey asking for input from
parents on how you believe the remote learning is going for you and your child. Please take a minute
to participate as we will use your feedback to adjust our practices to best fit the needs of our students.
We’re continuing to post resources and regularly updated information regarding the school closure and
COVID-19. That can be found here: OACSD COVID-19 UPDATES
Finally, it can’t be said enough times, we hope you and your family stay healthy and we are here for you.
Please participate in “flattening the curve.” Social distance is essential. Stay home and away from others.
We’ll all be better for it.
All my best,
Corey