April 17, 2020

Dear Griffin Parent or Guardian,

I hope this letter finds you and your family well at home and that your child is adjusting to the world of digital learning. I am pleased with the quality of the virtual “School-to-Watch” we created in such a relatively short period of time. I credit this remarkable progress to our dedicated teachers, support staff, teaching assistants, secretaries, and administrators. Your support means so much to us. While I miss my Van Wyck family, I am comforted in knowing you are safe at home.

We hope you enjoyed the “WeMissYou” video shared with our school community. The video is testimony of how much we care and miss our children. Every word, phrase, and sentence spoken by our faculty, staff, and administrators came directly from their hearts. I am sure your children miss us and their friends, as well. The time will come when we are all safely back at school.

I mentioned in my last letter that we were working on offering some virtual clubs. Today was the first showing of virtual “Morning News.” Teachers posted the video on their Google Classrooms today. I commend Mrs. Maher and the “Morning News” crew for creating a quality video from their homes. I am also pleased to inform you that Mrs. Nordstrom began virtual Japanese Anime; Miss DiMarco, virtual American Sign Language; and Mr. Cheney, virtual TedEd. Students in these clubs can contact their advisors for more information. We look forward in the future to sharing more exciting news about events happening in our school.

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) application process is complete. The VW Faculty Council is close to finishing their careful review of close to 200 applications. Final decisions about who will be inducted into the NJHS will be forthcoming in a letter from advisors Mrs. Anthony and Mrs. O’Marra-Adams. Please stay tuned for more information.

It is my sincere hope and desire that students are becoming increasingly more comfortable with digital learning. Keep in mind we offer the same supports traditionally offered in school during digital learning. Please feel free reaching out to your child’s teachers, school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or administrator. Remember, it is all about Griffin Pride!

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Dr. Steven H. Shuchat

Principal, Van Wyck Junior High School

Van Wyck Mission Statement

Values lifelong learning
Welcomes diversity
Judgement free
Highly professional; harmonious environment
Student-centered

Growing responsible members of our community
Responsive to and respectful of all needs
Integrated and standards-based instruction
Focused on building community
Forward thinking
Innovative ideas
Network of support
Strong leadership