Personal Best Parent Bulletin
...by Donald F. Gately Ed.D.
July 2, 2020 Volume VIII No. 1
Hi everybody,
Before finding myself in your inbox again, I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to catch their breath after a very challenging and unprecedented spring. I felt a sense of closure on Sunday morning when I watched the high school graduation ceremony. While we all regret the loss of some of these rituals, for all of our kids, not just eighth graders and graduating seniors, we remind ourselves to be grateful if we have our health and are somehow managing the economic impact of this pandemic.
Here’s the link to the eighth grade virtual moving up ceremony if you haven't seen it. Make sure to click on the Staff Flipgrid to see the messages from all the teachers and staff! Special thanks to: PTSA for the 8th Grade “Swag”, Jackie Caputo for the Program, Teresa Sirico and Grade 8 STA’s for the slides and Matt Silva for the Virtual Ceremony. So much gratitude to our FAMILIES for allowing us to help your kids grow.
Yearbook companies experienced delays across the country. They are available now. The company is mailing books to students who purchased them. There is a supply in the middle school guidance office for anyone who wishes to buy. The price is $42. You can stop by the guidance office any day between 8am and 3pm. Email Teresa (tsirico@jerichoschools.org) if you want us to set one aside for you.
As far as September, there are several subcommittees working on reopening plans. The district-wide reopening committee includes members of staff, parents and students.We anticipate getting further direction from NYSED and the Governor in mid-July. I will keep you informed of these plans.
Please encourage your children to read over the summer. Here’s a link to the summer reading list and a description of the program. Any student who reads three books will be designated as a literacy leader. All they have to do is respond to the Google Form.
Chad and I will be working throughout the summer. There’s a great deal of construction going on in the middle school building. If you need to reach either of us, please call the guidance office (516-203-3621) where we have relocated our base of operations until our offices are available to us again. I know we’ve been through a lot and you may have questions that need answers right away, here is my cell phone number 516-765-1384. Probably a text is the best way to reach me.
I’ll be in regular contact throughout the summer. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay well, get outside, read some books, and for god's sake, wash your hands.
Don
Resources
Phyllis Fagell
I love Phyllis Fagell’s work on middle school kids and parenting. Check out her book, Middle School Matters, her blog, and the Master Class On Parenting. Links below:
So many ways to follow #JerichoMS
Jericho Middle School
Email: dgately@jerichoschools.org
Website: Jerichoschools.org
Location: 99 Old Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, NY, United States
Phone: (516) 203-2600
Twitter: @JerichoMS