3.31.20 UPDATE Letter From Superintendent Healey

3.31.20 UPDATE Letter From Superintendent Healey
Posted on 03/31/2020

March 31, 2020


Dear Parents and Guardians,


I hope you and your families are doing well.  I am writing with several updates relating to the current extended school closure.


Earlier this month, the Argyle Central School District made the decision to cancel classes effective Monday, March 16 through the end of the scheduled April break, Sunday, April 19 in an effort to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

As the impact and spread of the virus continues to evolve, decisions about school closures are now being made at the state level.  On March 27, NYS Governor Cuomo announced schools will remain closed until April 15, with the 180-day waiver extended through then. At that point, the state will reassess if the closure needs to be extended further. 

Please be assured that it is the district’s intent to continue to provide meals, access to child care for essential works, and instructional materials for our students for the duration of this closure. 


Other Important Information To Be Aware Of:


Meal Delivery

The district continues to provide meals to any Argyle resident under the age of 18.  If you are not currently enrolled in our meal program, and wish to sign up, please contact our Food Service Director, Meagan Wilkins @ 518-638-8243 ext 319.  Our staff is currently preparing and delivering meals to over 190 students, and would be happy to assist your family.  


Instructional  Materials

Our faculty and staff are continuing to work to provide educational opportunities for our students. Currently, we are preparing for another round of deliveries on Thursday, April 2, while also preparing on-going materials for remote access.  We will send out an all-call with specifics on the April 2nd schedule for pickup/delivery of this material.


Preparation For Possible Extension of School Closure

In the coming weeks, should there be an executive order from the governor with a school closure extension, our next educational learning packet delivery will be scheduled for Thursday, April 16th.  I will send out information about this soon.

 

More information pertaining to how the district will be moving forward with instruction will also be provided in the near future.

 

Technology Survey

If you haven’t already, please take a minute to complete the District’s Technology Survey  (CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY).  This information is very important and will help the district to better assess the technology available to our students. 


We are also asking that if you cannot complete the survey, please contact the district office at (518) 638-8243 ext 0, and we will record the information for your family. 


Access to Internet/WiFi

Scots Guest WiFi is now open for student use for academics in our school parking lot,   8am-8pm everyday.


Students accessing Scots Guest WiFi from our parking lots (or WiFi provided by Adirondack Technical Solutions - see below)  MUST ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING:

  • ONLY ACCESS THE WIFI FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES;

  • BE IN A CAR AND NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR FOR ANY REASON;

  • FOLLOW ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES.

WiFi is available in our elementary parking lot. The only spot in that lot where wifi is unavailable seems to be the parking spaces closest to the bus circle/trees. WiFi access all around the bus circle is strong.  At this time, Scots Guest WiFi is not available in our main parking lot. Scots-Guest is still filtered like our normal in-building internet.


The school building, tennis courts, and playground will remain closed.


WiFi is also now available to students courtesy of Adirondack Technical Solutions, 5439 State Route 40 [by the intersection of County Route 44 and State Route 40 in Argyle]. This WiFi hotspot is free for all students to use to download course materials. The hotspot covers a large parking area and allows for plenty of social distancing.  Please call the school at 518-638-8243 to report any issues with WiFi connection at either location.


State Testing 

Grades 3-8 Testing: New York State has cancelled all the 3-8 ELA, math, and science exams for the year.


Regents Exams: There has not been any guidance provided on the administration of the NYS

Regents exams. 


I will continue to provide updates as they become available. 


If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the district at 518-638-8243 ext 0 or [email protected]


 I appreciate your continued support and patience as we continue to work through this difficult time.


Sincerely, 



Michael Healey

Superintendent