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August 25, 2020
Dear Griffin Parent or Guardian,
I would like to share important and critical information with you as schools prepare to re-open remotely on September 10. Van Wyck leadership is busy at work with our school counselors preparing schools for both remote and hybrid instruction. We will be ready to go when the bell rings.
August 25 was the scheduled date for student orientation, which will not be logistically possible due to social distancing and other health-related safety requirements. However, the leadership team at Van Wyck is moving forward with a virtual orientation containing key information to carefully transition students to Van Wyck. We will review how students should read their schedules, explain how Van Wyck is instructionally organized, and discuss the dress code that includes wearing masks, sports, intramurals, and more. The orientation will conclude with a virtual tour of the school with visits to several typical classrooms with desks, chairs, and cafeteria tables arranged in compliance with state guidelines to ensure social distancing. The virtual orientation will be located on the Van Wyck homepage at https://www.wappingersschools.org/Domain/785 beginning Friday, August 28. Furthermore, we are planning another “in-person” orientation when students officially return to school in October under the hybrid model. I believe students will become increasingly more comfortable and confident when virtual and hybrid learning begins.
Student schedules will be released to Parent Portal beginning September 3. The team your child is assigned to can be found on the right-hand side of the schedule: Teams 7 Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow; and Teams 8 Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. The supply lists are organized by teacher teams and/or departments and found by going to the Van Wyck website at https://www.wappingersschools.org/Domain/785. If you have any questions regarding classroom supply lists, please contact your child’s teacher. If you need further assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor.
Governor Cuomo has announced on Monday, August 24th, 2020, that lower-risk sports like tennis, soccer, cross country, field hockey and swimming in all regions may practice and play beginning September 21st, 2020. School sports must follow DOH-issued guidance. No travel practice or play outside of the school's region or contiguous regions/counties until October 19th. Please contact Mr. Greenwood at christopher.greenwood@wcsdny.org if you have further questions.
Parents and students need to be reassured that when we return to school all safety measures are in place. In addition to our usual drills-fire, disaster, and lockdown-cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting protocols, daily and period-by-period attendance, lunch procedures, bus arrival and departure, for example, will be operationalized. We will work closely with the District to finalize these plans.
Van Wyck Junior High School's faculty, staff and administration, in partnership with our parents, students, and community, will provide a safe and orderly learning environment that supports the academic, intellectual, personal, and social development of children, while maintaining rigorous standards and embracing curricula that prepares our students for college and careers.
Sadly, our yearbooks are not yet ready to be shipped.
I will keep our families up-to-date in the days ahead as new information becomes available, especially as it pertains to remote learning.
Enjoy the Labor Day weekend and I look forward to working with you this school year.
Be well, be safe.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
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
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