Nonpublic Transportation Deadline Extended to April 15, 2020 - Please note that due to the closure of schools, NYS has directed all public school districts to accept all parental requests for transportation to charter and nonpublic schools submitted on or before April 15, 2020.
April 1 is Census Day. This is not a deadline but a reminder to please fill out the 2020 Census, which was mailed to all households. Your completed census ensures that the community and district receive federal funding. Be Counted! www.2020census.gov
I wanted to send an update related to recent Executive Orders from the Governor that alter our current calendar and the impact it has on the school closure, spring recess, budget vote and Board of Education elections.
In order to be in compliance with Executive Order 202.11, which extends the school closure period to April 15th, and in order to meet the 180 day waiver criteria for state aid, the district will continue to offer meals, provide childcare for first responders and healthcare workers, and continue with the district’s learning plan during the school closure. As a result, the scheduled spring recess (April 9- April 17) has been cancelled and the "Continuity of Learning” plan will continue during this time.
We understand that much of spring recess includes days of religious observance. As all of the Bellmore/Merrick component school districts respect the observance of religious holidays, there is flexibility relative to assignments for those students and families who choose to observe. Should your child be unable to complete the daily assignments due to religious observance, it is entirely understandable.
An additional part of the continuity plan is the availability of Emergency Child Care for qualifying families. The North Merrick School District is participating in a countywide plan to provide child care through SCOPE at locations throughout the county. The provisions for who qualifies for this program are set by New York State. Details can be found on the SCOPE website: https://www.scopeonline.us/scope-emergency-child-care/. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services is also asking school districts to send the following link to a survey about child care needs to all families: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ .
The Free & Reduced Lunch Program for students continues during the school closure and the scheduled spring recess. Families may pick up five lunches for the week on Mondays from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the side door of the H.D. Fayette General Purpose Room. Please know that families in need of additional assistance for any reason should email their school principals. As always, our staff is here to support our students and their families through this crisis.
In addition, New York State has determined that school district Board of Education and budget votes will be postponed until after June 1, 2020. Therefore, the vote scheduled for May 19, 2020, is postponed and we will inform you when a new date has been set.
Lastly, because it is highly unlikely that the Governor will allow the re-opening of schools on April 15, we will adjust our district plans when the next Governor’s order is released and communicate that information to you promptly.
Let me end this letter by saying I am so thankful that the North Merrick school community has rallied together to quickly manage home learning and work remotely. Our teachers and administrators will continue to provide meaningful learning experiences and social-emotional support for our students.
Thank you for your partnership and patience during this challenging time. Please stay well and safe.
It is the mission of the North Merrick School District to work cooperatively with our schools, parents and community to develop individuals who are respectful, resilient and responsive with a fluency in technology and divergent thinking skills.
