Dear Island Park Families,
We are extremely grateful to our families for the wonderful turnout at our Special Meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, August 3, 2020 when we reviewed the District’s Reopening Plan. Parents and guardians that attended the virtual meeting provided the District with excellent questions and additional input. Since our Special Board Meeting, we have received a common suggestion regarding the proposed A/B Hybrid Schedule. We have been encouraged to consider a consistent pattern of A/B days each week, rather than flipping them every other week. Before finalizing the schedule, we want to know from you which format will be most beneficial for families who are arranging work schedules, childcare, and help for their children during school days scheduled for remote learning. Please note that our “originally proposed” A/B flipping schedule was developed to ensure all students have in-person instruction with their special area teachers every week. The “New” A/B schedule may result in some cohorts not having equal access to in-person instruction with their special area teachers, they will, however have remote instruction with them.
Please use the link below to complete the survey by Noon on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
Thank you for your continued input and support as we strive to do what is best for ALL of our students, families, and employees as we plan to reopen our schools. Please feel free to communicate ongoing questions or suggestions at webmaster@islandparkschools.org with the word “Reopening” in the subject.
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
Dear Island Park Families,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy!
Over the past month the District’s Reopening Task Force and Committees have been working tirelessly on developing a reentry plan that is in compliance with guidelines and guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Based upon a careful analysis of the guidance and guidelines provided to us from these State agencies, including the mandatory social distancing requirements in classrooms and on school buses, our current fleet of school buses (District-owned and contracted) as well as the limited staffing at both Francis X Hegarty and Lincoln Orens Middle School, we are planning a return for the start of the 2020-2021 school year, using a Hybrid Model. This is a combination of in-person and remote instruction that divides classes into two cohorts; it will be in place for the first day of school.
Although current staffing levels are insufficient to accommodate the expanded number of classrooms needed to ensure social distancing through the use of cohorts in the All In-Person Model, the District is committed to meeting with parents and district committee groups as we move forward this fall to continue planning for a phased-in approach to the return of all students that we call the All In-Person Model, should our students and employees remain healthy.
What is a Hybrid Model of Instruction?
A Hybrid Model of instruction is a teaching and learning approach where alternating groups of students (cohorts) physically attend school on designated days of the week. While some students attend school in-person, other students attend remotely. In our new model of distance or remote learning, students who are not in the school building will be engaged in both “live teaching” (synchronous) and independent learning (asynchronous). On days students attend class remotely, they will also participate in classroom instruction with their teacher(s) and peers through the use of Google Classroom, Google Meet, and classroom webcams with broadcasting capability. Throughout the school day, students will follow a schedule, receive mini-lessons (live instruction) from the teacher, interact with peers and complete all assignments. In addition, daily or period-by-period attendance will be taken, regardless if the students are participating in-person or remotely.
Given the possibility that communities may experience spikes in COVID-19 cases at any point during the school year, which may prompt short or long-term school closures, our District has developed this Hybrid Model with dual, parallel schedules. First and foremost, this keeps students and employees safely distanced in our school buildings whereby all can make the most of our excellent facilities and resources. Yet, in the event of a school closure when students have to learn in a fully remote environment, instruction will continue to focus on “core” subject areas as well as special areas classes, following the same daily schedule. In addition, all instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards. In this way, students will not encounter conflicts wherein synchronous lessons for different subjects are offered simultaneously. Remote learning opportunities for all students (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8) will include a greater emphasis on synchronous instruction, with teachers providing live instruction and lessons to students using classroom webcams and Google Meet. Teachers will ensure that their students are directly engaged with them and their class peers in experiential learning on a regular basis. This revamped model increases access to live teaching (synchronous) experiences and reduces the family burden to support student learning at home.
The Hybrid Model allows the District to maximize in-person instruction, on a rotating basis, while balancing equity, capacity, social distancing, PPE, feasibility, special considerations for students with disabilities, English language learners and students experiencing homelessness with our current staffing levels. As previously noted, although the District will begin the 2020-2021 school year in a Hybrid Model, we will continue to research, plan, and develop plans for a phased in approach to the All In-Person Model.
Please join us for a Special Business Meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM when I will share the District’s Reopening Plan (including more details about the student schedules), with the community via WebEx. The District’s Reopening Plan, which is subject to NYS approval, can be found on the District’s website at http://www.ips.k12.ny.us/
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
See PDF's:
- Spanish-July 31, 2020- Update to Families
- July 31, 2020- Update to Families
- Island Park UFSD Reopening Plan 7-31-2020 ( En español - Reopening Plan 7-31-2020 )
- 8-3-20 Special BOE Mtg Presentation-Island Park UFSD Reopening Plan
Procedure for Curbside Pick-Up:
Morning Pick-Up:
|
Time |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Friday |
|
8/3/2020 |
8/4/2020 |
8/5/2020 |
8/7/2020 |
|
|
8:30 - 10:00 |
Kindergarten |
Pre-K |
Grade 8 |
Grade 5 |
|
10:00 - 11:30 |
Grade 1 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 7 |
|
|
11:30 - 1:00 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 6 |
Afternoon Pick - Up:
|
Time |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Friday |
|
8/3/2020 |
8/4/2020 |
8/5/2020 |
8/7/2020 |
|
|
2:00 - 3:30 |
K, 1, 2 |
Pre-K, 3, 4 |
6, 7, 8 |
5 |
Bruce Hoffman, Ed.D.
Principal
Lincoln Orens Middle School
Island Park School District
Island Park, NY 11558
See PDF: Curbside_Device_Pick.pdf
Dear Island Park Families,
As we prepare for the reopening of our schools, we must include a district-wide plan for transportation. Guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) mandates the use of face coverings and social distancing when students use school buses to transport them to and from school. As a result, the District must reduce the bus capacity to meet the mandatory requirements. As of now, this means that a 66 passenger bus will hold a maximum of 12 occupants (including driver); this number can only be exceeded if there are family members traveling and sitting together occupying two seats in the same row. Our plan is to assign 1 student per row, skipping every other row to meet the social distancing requirement. However, we intend to transport siblings seated together in the same row, while maintaining appropriate social distance from others. (In order to accomplish this, we will have no separate kindergarten and grade 5 buses. Only dedicated buses for Pre-K will remain. Pre-K buses will carry 5 occupants, including the driver and monitor.
As a result of social distancing, the District will need to add numerous runs, at staggered times. Moreover, additional safeguards are required. For example, buses must be loaded back to front and unloaded front to back; also, buses must be sanitized in-between runs. Consequently, families should expect AM/PM bus routes to be delayed and run late, especially during times of bad weather. Families that receive transportation for their child(ren), to and from school, are being provided with the option to decline busing both before and after school. Please complete the online form at the link below by August 10, 2020 to decline bus transportation for your child(ren) and to inform the District that you will transport your child to and from school. The district appreciates your prompt response as planning the routes in accordance with the State guidance will take significant time. If you opt to return to bus transportation at any point during the school year, you must provide the Transportation Department with two (2) weeks (14 days) advance notice.
Survey:
Thank you for your cooperation,
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
It has been reported in Newsday that the Northport/ East Northport school district has apparently authorized a settlement in principle with LIPA. We are greatly disappointed that they have apparently given up the fight in Court against LIPA without consulting with the Island Park school board and the other stakeholders who have jointly resisted LIPA’s efforts to decimate our tax base. We plan on attending the public hearing Northport is scheduling next week on the proposed settlement and will make our views known. [See: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/lipa-northport-tax-settlement-1.46565390?fbclid=IwAR1RjeOR7zywy0s3kcbGZQNFZiQF_4kd9NBK7j4BiXrQQ0R5FM71zvuwqaA].
On Monday, July 6th, the District will be reopening its playgrounds and athletic fields at the Francis X. Hegarty and Lincoln Orens Middle Schools for community use from 8AM to 9PM each day. Community members may enter the playgrounds and athletic fields from the following entrances:
Francis X. Hegarty- Deal Rd. Entrance and Warwick Rd. Entrance
Lincoln Orens Middle School- Audubon Blvd Pre-Kindergarten Playground Entrance, Trafalgar Blvd Parking Lot Entrance, and Baseball Field Entrance
Community members using our playgrounds and athletic fields are reminded that:
· They use our playgrounds and athletic fields at their own risk and understand and accept the risks due to COVID-19.
· Children using the playground structures and athletic fields should be supervised by adults to ensure physical distancing measures are being met.
· Children and adults should wear face coverings.
· Children and adults should wash their hands with soap and water or sanitizer before and after using playground equipment.
Any parent who still needs to pick-up a device for their child in grades Pre-k through 8 may do so on Wednesday, August 12th and Thursday, August 13th between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. All device pick-ups will take place at the Audubon traffic circle in the rear of Lincoln Orens Middle School.
Dear Island Park Families,
We are extremely grateful to our families for the wonderful turnout at our Special Meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, August 3, 2020 when we reviewed the District’s Reopening Plan. Parents and guardians that attended the virtual meeting provided the District with excellent questions and additional input. Since our Special Board Meeting, we have received a common suggestion regarding the proposed A/B Hybrid Schedule. We have been encouraged to consider a consistent pattern of A/B days each week, rather than flipping them every other week. Before finalizing the schedule, we want to know from you which format will be most beneficial for families who are arranging work schedules, childcare, and help for their children during school days scheduled for remote learning. Please note that our “originally proposed” A/B flipping schedule was developed to ensure all students have in-person instruction with their special area teachers every week. The “New” A/B schedule may result in some cohorts not having equal access to in-person instruction with their special area teachers, they will, however have remote instruction with them.
Please use the link below to complete the survey by Noon on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
Thank you for your continued input and support as we strive to do what is best for ALL of our students, families, and employees as we plan to reopen our schools. Please feel free to communicate ongoing questions or suggestions at webmaster@islandparkschools.org with the word “Reopening” in the subject.
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
Dear Island Park Families,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy!
Over the past month the District’s Reopening Task Force and Committees have been working tirelessly on developing a reentry plan that is in compliance with guidelines and guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Based upon a careful analysis of the guidance and guidelines provided to us from these State agencies, including the mandatory social distancing requirements in classrooms and on school buses, our current fleet of school buses (District-owned and contracted) as well as the limited staffing at both Francis X Hegarty and Lincoln Orens Middle School, we are planning a return for the start of the 2020-2021 school year, using a Hybrid Model. This is a combination of in-person and remote instruction that divides classes into two cohorts; it will be in place for the first day of school.
Although current staffing levels are insufficient to accommodate the expanded number of classrooms needed to ensure social distancing through the use of cohorts in the All In-Person Model, the District is committed to meeting with parents and district committee groups as we move forward this fall to continue planning for a phased-in approach to the return of all students that we call the All In-Person Model, should our students and employees remain healthy.
What is a Hybrid Model of Instruction?
A Hybrid Model of instruction is a teaching and learning approach where alternating groups of students (cohorts) physically attend school on designated days of the week. While some students attend school in-person, other students attend remotely. In our new model of distance or remote learning, students who are not in the school building will be engaged in both “live teaching” (synchronous) and independent learning (asynchronous). On days students attend class remotely, they will also participate in classroom instruction with their teacher(s) and peers through the use of Google Classroom, Google Meet, and classroom webcams with broadcasting capability. Throughout the school day, students will follow a schedule, receive mini-lessons (live instruction) from the teacher, interact with peers and complete all assignments. In addition, daily or period-by-period attendance will be taken, regardless if the students are participating in-person or remotely.
Given the possibility that communities may experience spikes in COVID-19 cases at any point during the school year, which may prompt short or long-term school closures, our District has developed this Hybrid Model with dual, parallel schedules. First and foremost, this keeps students and employees safely distanced in our school buildings whereby all can make the most of our excellent facilities and resources. Yet, in the event of a school closure when students have to learn in a fully remote environment, instruction will continue to focus on “core” subject areas as well as special areas classes, following the same daily schedule. In addition, all instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards. In this way, students will not encounter conflicts wherein synchronous lessons for different subjects are offered simultaneously. Remote learning opportunities for all students (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8) will include a greater emphasis on synchronous instruction, with teachers providing live instruction and lessons to students using classroom webcams and Google Meet. Teachers will ensure that their students are directly engaged with them and their class peers in experiential learning on a regular basis. This revamped model increases access to live teaching (synchronous) experiences and reduces the family burden to support student learning at home.
The Hybrid Model allows the District to maximize in-person instruction, on a rotating basis, while balancing equity, capacity, social distancing, PPE, feasibility, special considerations for students with disabilities, English language learners and students experiencing homelessness with our current staffing levels. As previously noted, although the District will begin the 2020-2021 school year in a Hybrid Model, we will continue to research, plan, and develop plans for a phased in approach to the All In-Person Model.
Please join us for a Special Business Meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM when I will share the District’s Reopening Plan (including more details about the student schedules), with the community via WebEx. The District’s Reopening Plan, which is subject to NYS approval, can be found on the District’s website at http://www.ips.k12.ny.us/
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
Dear Island Park Families,
As we prepare for the reopening of our schools, we must include a district-wide plan for transportation. Guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) mandates the use of face coverings and social distancing when students use school buses to transport them to and from school. As a result, the District must reduce the bus capacity to meet the mandatory requirements. As of now, this means that a 66 passenger bus will hold a maximum of 12 occupants (including driver); this number can only be exceeded if there are family members traveling and sitting together occupying two seats in the same row. Our plan is to assign 1 student per row, skipping every other row to meet the social distancing requirement. However, we intend to transport siblings seated together in the same row, while maintaining appropriate social distance from others. (In order to accomplish this, we will have no separate kindergarten and grade 5 buses. Only dedicated buses for Pre-K will remain. Pre-K buses will carry 5 occupants, including the driver and monitor.
As a result of social distancing, the District will need to add numerous runs, at staggered times. Moreover, additional safeguards are required. For example, buses must be loaded back to front and unloaded front to back; also, buses must be sanitized in-between runs. Consequently, families should expect AM/PM bus routes to be delayed and run late, especially during times of bad weather. Families that receive transportation for their child(ren), to and from school, are being provided with the option to decline busing both before and after school. Please complete the online form at the link below by August 10, 2020 to decline bus transportation for your child(ren) and to inform the District that you will transport your child to and from school. The district appreciates your prompt response as planning the routes in accordance with the State guidance will take significant time. If you opt to return to bus transportation at any point during the school year, you must provide the Transportation Department with two (2) weeks (14 days) advance notice.
Survey:
Thank you for your cooperation,
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
July 24, 2020
Dear Island Park Families,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy!
Over the past week, the District’s Reopening Task Force Committees and Board of Education have been working tirelessly on developing a reopening plan that is in compliance with guidelines and guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In order for us to meet the mandatory requirements provided by the NYSDOH and NYSED, the 2020-2021 school year will be very different from what our students, families, teachers, and staff have grown accustomed to. Below are a few of the changes that our students, faculty, and staff should expect as we return to school for in-person instruction:
- completing a mandatory daily at-home (prior to coming to school) health screening
- social distancing (6 feet of separation between individuals at all times) in classrooms, corridors and school buses
- wearing face coverings on the bus and throughout the day (they will be removed when eating)
- limited movement throughout the school building
In preparation for our return to in-person instruction, the District has been busy reimagining each classroom space to comply with mandatory social distancing protocols, planning transportation routes with social distancing protocols and procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to face coverings, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and sanitizing equipment.
The District continues to examine three (3) distinct operational approaches:
Throughout this process, our focus continues to be concentrated on the ability to have our students, faculty and staff safely return to their school building in-person every single day. The All-In School Model with students coming to their school building everyday requires that the District divide each class in half for mandatory 6-foot social distancing. This requires additional teachers, monitors and security aides currently not staffed for the 2020-2021 school year.
Organizing the Hybrid Model provides for a combination of in-person and remote instruction and allows the District to overcome many of the biggest hurdles to reopening our schools, which include:
In this Hybrid Model, Distance/Remote Learning would be structured very differently when compared with the spring 2020 school closure model. In the Hybrid Model, some students attend school in-person, while other students attend remotely. Students in a remote setting would follow a daily schedule and will be engaged in “live teaching” (synchronous) and independent (asynchronous) learning on the days they are not in the school building. When students attend class remotely, they would participate in classroom instruction with their teacher(s) and peers through the use of Google Meet and Google Classroom. In this revamped model, the increased access to live teaching (synchronous) experiences reduces the family burden to support student learning at home.
Over the course of the next week, we have scheduled additional meetings with our teachers, administrators, staff, and parents to finalize our plan. More detailed information regarding our reopening plan will be included in my letter to the community on July 31, 2020 and at the Special Business Meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM via WebEx. In the interim, we welcome your questions via webmaster@islandparkschools.org. Please continue to monitor the District’s website and Facebook page, to stay abreast of all updates.
Fondly,
Vincent Randazzo
Assistant Superintendent
It has been reported in Newsday that the Northport/ East Northport school district has apparently authorized a settlement in principle with LIPA. We are greatly disappointed that they have apparently given up the fight in Court against LIPA without consulting with the Island Park school board and the other stakeholders who have jointly resisted LIPA’s efforts to decimate our tax base. We plan on attending the public hearing Northport is scheduling next week on the proposed settlement and will make our views known. [See: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/lipa-northport-tax-settlement-1.46565390?fbclid=IwAR1RjeOR7zywy0s3kcbGZQNFZiQF_4kd9NBK7j4BiXrQQ0R5FM71zvuwqaA].
On Monday, July 6th, the District will be reopening its playgrounds and athletic fields at the Francis X. Hegarty and Lincoln Orens Middle Schools for community use from 8AM to 9PM each day. Community members may enter the playgrounds and athletic fields from the following entrances:
Francis X. Hegarty- Deal Rd. Entrance and Warwick Rd. Entrance
Lincoln Orens Middle School- Audubon Blvd Pre-Kindergarten Playground Entrance, Trafalgar Blvd Parking Lot Entrance, and Baseball Field Entrance
Community members using our playgrounds and athletic fields are reminded that:
· They use our playgrounds and athletic fields at their own risk and understand and accept the risks due to COVID-19.
· Children using the playground structures and athletic fields should be supervised by adults to ensure physical distancing measures are being met.
· Children and adults should wear face coverings.
· Children and adults should wash their hands with soap and water or sanitizer before and after using playground equipment.
IPS will continue its participation in the SCOPE child care program for parents and guardians who are first responders or health care providers in need of child care coverage while at work. This service is from July 1 through August 31, 2020 and it is free of charge. Register by visiting www.scopeonline.us. Go to “Click Here for SCOPE Emergency Child Care.” The host site is:
Rhame Avenue School
100 Rhame Ave
East Rockaway, NY
Beginning July 1 through August 31, 2020 Island Park Schools is participating in the free Grab & Go Meal Program at:
St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church
721 West Broadway
Long Beach NY
Thank you to the Island Park School Community!!!
The Budget Has Passed. Thank You.
Yes-676
No-522
El presupuesto ha sido aprobado. Gracias.
Sí-676
No-522
Congratulations to Board of Education member Jack Vobis who received 943 votes and was re-elected.
Felicitaciones a los miembros de la Junta de Educación Jack Vobis que fueron 943 elegidos o reelegidos.
Dear New York State Educators,
Please share this information with families in your community.
As we work through these challenging times together, NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency.
With the recent closure of businesses across the state, many New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19. Many are likely to be eligible for health coverage with financial assistance through NY State of Health due to their loss of coverage and income. NY State of Health opened a Special Enrollment Period last month for people who are uninsured, and the Marketplace has started an awareness campaign to let people know that NY State of Health is there as a safety net in difficult times like these.
New Yorkers who are without health insurance should apply now through NY State of Health. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or subsidized Qualified Health Plan coverage.
Thousands of assistors are ready throughout the state to help consumers enroll by phone. NY State of Health is committed to helping New Yorkers get the coverage they need so they can get the care they need.
Visit us at: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov and let us help you find a health care plan that works for you.
If you have additional questions you can contact the Marketplace directly at 518-486-9102 or NYSOH@health.ny.gov.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this week’s update finds you and your family well.
At Monday’s Regular Business Meeting of the Board of Education, district participation in a county-wide partnership with SCOPE Educational Services for child care services was approved. This arrangement, provides parents and guardians who are first responders or health care providers with child care coverage while they are at work. It is a service that will be free of charge in appreciation for the selfless service these people are providing during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools and after-care programs are closed. First responders and health care providers can register by visiting www.scopeonline.us. See the words, “Click Here for SCOPE Emergency Child Care.” The host site is Rhame Avenue School, 100 Rhame Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518. It begins Thursday, April 2.
Now that the Governor’s Executive Order has extended our work from home period until April 15th, we are working with our teachers to develop the next phase of distance learning for all students. Below are a few important updates.
Early Elementary Digital Learning
Our early elementary grade students (Pre K through Grade 2), were provided with print material such as books, workbooks, and other documents sent home via backpack. We recognize that our students have engaged in this print work over the past two-weeks, and are in need of new learning materials. In addition to digital learning, our teachers will continue to provide the students with learning activities that do not require the use of a computer. New learning for our Pre K through Grade 2 students will continue to be communicated via each teacher’s webpage.
Technology-Based Learning
The District continues to use a variety of technology-based solutions to ensure students continue their academic work while at home. We recognize that these are challenging times for our students and their parents, as many households are sharing computing devices to complete schoolwork, while parents are working from home. We understand that parents are making requests of both administrators and teachers regarding the need for additional computing devices. This is not possible. We suggest that families create schedules to share their home device(s). Please note that the District’s technology-based solutions (iReady, myON, Google Classroom, etc.) can also be accessed using a smartphone.
Quarter Three Reporting (LOMS)
The third quarter for LOMS students is scheduled to end on Wednesday, April 8th. Due to the extended school closure, LOMS teachers will provide a third-quarter grade, for students in grades 5-8. This grade follows the District’s Grading Policy, considering only exams, quizzes, and other formative assessments such as projects, presentations, etc completed through Friday, March 13, 2020. We acknowledge that students may have missing assignments, tests and quizzes that will be difficult to be made-up, submitted, and graded. Therefore, we will not expect that LOMS students submit missed assignments at this time. Given the current set of circumstances, no child’s grades and/or academic standing will be impacted by the extended school closure. Although students’ digital assignments will not be computed into their quarter-three achievement grades, students’ active participation via digital learning, will be factored into their “effort” grade.
The Island Park UFSD will continue to provide our parents and students with all pertinent information throughout this quickly evolving situation. We remind parents and students to contact teachers via the District’s email system using the code words “virtual hand raise” for any questions or concerns related to digital assignments. Our support staff, guidance counselor, school social workers, and school psychologists are also available to assist our families during these uncertain times. We hope that you and your loved ones remain in good health. We look forward to the having our schools, halls, classrooms and instructional spaces filled with our faculty, staff and most of all our students!
Together we are better!
Fond regards,
Vincent Randazzo Rosmarie Bovino
Assistant Superintendent Superintendent of Schools
Island Park UFSD Island Park UFSD
Enclosure: Emergency Child Care Letter
Child Care for First Responders & Health Care Workers
IPS is participating in the SCOPE child care program for parents and guardians who are first responders or health care providers in need of child care coverage while at work. This service is free of charge. Register by visiting www.scopeonline.us. Go to “Click Here for SCOPE Emergency Child Care.” The host site is Rhame Avenue School, 100 Rhame Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518.
Important Survey
The NYS Office of Children and Family Services asks all parents in need of child care assistance due to COVID-19 to complete the following survey.
Thank you. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ
Today we say farewell to March, and I’m sure none of us is sorry to see it go. The words “March Madness” will never again have quite the same meaning. In March, the world as we know it came grinding to a halt, and friends, neighbors, and relatives that we would always greet with a handshake, or a hug, or a kiss, were suddenly restricted to remain at least six feet away. Occasions and events were postponed or canceled or altered to fit “social distancing” guidelines. Kids that normally would spend their day in school with their classmates and playing outdoors with their friends were now confined to their homes, doing lessons remotely while their parents struggled to help them learn and keep them occupied – the struggle is real! Working from home became the norm and the fight for a quiet workspace and bandwidth replaced fighting through traffic and for a seat on a train. And even though our first responders and healthcare workers have continued to report to their jobs as usual, it has been anything but business as usual for them; they are constantly exposed to danger and for the most part are separated from their families in some way as they care for the sick and keep all of us safe. Our elderly and most vulnerable are the loneliest among us, disconnected from loved ones which, although it is for their own good, cannot be easy on them as they sit anxiously waiting for something not (hopefully) to happen. There are those of us that are struggling economically, whether it be due to the closure of a business or the loss of a job, and even if those situations are temporary the unknown of when things will improve hangs over the heads of those that now are living month to month, or week to week, or day to day. Sadly, there are people that we know that have been infected and become seriously ill, and we have heard the news of those that have died. Our hearts hurt for those that are suffering and for the families of those that have passed away, and we hope that their pain is eased as time passes. There is a saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” Well, we’ve certainly had our head in the lion’s mouth; it sure would be nice if the lamb would make an appearance.
Hidden in all the gloom that March has brought is the one glimmer of hope that always comes in March – Spring. While it was not “celebrated,” the world kept turning and the calendar kept changing and Spring arrived, and with it, perhaps some hope. As April dawns, we can begin to look ahead to better and brighter days while we remain vigilant in following the guidelines that will help keep us all safe and healthy. At some point, we will all emerge from our hibernation and be able to be together again, in school, at work, in parks, in restaurants and bars, in stores and anywhere we have gathered in the past. We naturally will be smarter and more cautious – this event will have a profound effect on how we interact with each other in the future – but with that knowledge we will regain the feeling that many of us are missing now, the feeling of community. Personally, I look forward to returning to work, to being in court doing the work I enjoy. I look forward to coaching my roller hockey team and little league team, and watching my kids play with their friends and ride their bikes without worrying if they are too close together. I look forward to being able to play hockey with my teammates and friends, and to being able to be together with friends. I look forward to seeing my daughter graduate from middle school and begin her new adventure in high school, and not worrying when my sons leave the house to hang out with their friends. And I’m sure we all look forward to the day our kids go back to school! I could go on and on, but probably most of all, I look forward to the little things, like being in a store where every other person is not wearing a mask and gloves, or shaking a friend’s hand and not worrying about getting sick or getting others sick. Unfortunately, many aspects of our old routines will change, possibly forever, but we can hope that in time we get back to somewhere we will consider normal, and that it will resemble what it used to be. Our job is to do everything in our power so that we all get to enjoy and experience the new “normal.”
It would be great if we all woke up tomorrow and this all turned out to be an April Fools’ Day prank, but if there is one thing we have learned, this is no joke. Nevertheless, in about a week, many of us will be celebrating – as we do each Spring – the religious holidays of Passover and Easter. These holidays bear great significance during this difficult time: Easter is a celebration of rebirth, and Passover is a celebration of freedom. Our celebrations may look different than they have in past years, but the concept is still the same – we look forward to a new beginning and better times with family and friends. Granted, the future is uncertain to the extent that we do not know when our lives will get back to normal, but as each day passes we get closer to that day. Faith and hope will help get us there.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the near future at school events, on the little league field, and out and about in Island Park. Maybe the April showers will make it easier for us to pass the time indoors so we can all be out to enjoy the May flowers together (Sorry for the Dad joke – too corny?). Seriously, I hope everyone stays healthy and makes the most of their time together with family looking forward to being together again with friends and neighbors, as a community. Hope Springs Eternal.
Be smart, be healthy, and be strong,
Jack Vobis
President, Board of Education
Beginning tomorrow, March 30, we will resume our Grab and Go food distribution program at Lincoln Orens Middle School. Meals are for Island Park children who are eligible for free or reduce price meals. Please pick up your child’s breakfast and lunch meals from 8:30 to 11AM. Thank you Mrs. DeBari, food service staff members, and our custodians who are making this program possible!
Hope this finds you and your family well.
This has been a busy week. There have been many outreach efforts on the part of our teachers to students. All grade levels are well underway with instruction that includes new learning, not just review. Similarly, our principals initiated online faculty meetings in Zoom with their teachers. All shared their experiences with distance learning and new strategies for teaching as a result of their communications with parents, students, and each other. The Board of Education, to, will be conducting community outreach via its Board Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 7 pm via WebEx. See our district website for instructions on how you can attend. We encourage you to participate by asking questions you may have through our new email address PublicBeHeard@islandparkschools.org.
On Monday, March 30, we will resume our meal distribution program from Lincoln Orens Middle School for students who are eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches. The meals are distributed at the back of the cafeteria (in area where Fall Fair is held) during the hours of 8:30 am to 11:00 am. They are handed out through a sliding window in the kitchen so that parents/guardians and food service staff members are all able to maintain appropriate physical distance. We are most appreciative of our food service staff who are truly dedicated to the students and families of Island Park.
We also want to thank our custodians who assisted with the opening and closing of our buildings this past week so that Belfor was able to decontaminate and sanitize all areas of our schools this past week. Thank you, too, to our clerical staff whose hours of work at home have enabled the continuity of operations throughout this period. Everyone has truly pulled together.
As you may have heard today, the Governor stated schools will remain closed until at least April 15. I have not received his updated Executive Order but look forward to reading it. More to come on this.
While schools remain closed, in addition to reaching out to the child’s teacher for assistance, other resources include:
Khan Academy at https://www.khanacademy.org/
iTutor at https://itutor.com/
Tutor Doctor at tuhttps://www.tutordoctor.com
My best wishes to you and your family as you make every effort to stay healthy!
The April 1 deadline (at this time) was re-affirmed by the NYS Education Department as the deadline for Non-Public School/Private School Transportation Requests. At this time, if you are not able to have the form completed by your child's school, you may send an email to our Transportation Supervisor, Kelly Angelo (kangelo@islandparkschools.org), requesting 2020 - 2021 transportation for your child. Please include your child's name, school and grade for the 2020 - 2021 school year. This email request will be accepted in lieu of the application so that you will meet the April 1 deadline. When schools are back and functioning as normal, we will request that the form be completed. Until then the email correspondence will be accepted.
Thank you.
Families eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches as well as any family residing in Island Park and whose children attend our schools who is not able to provide these meals, please note the following:
" Island Park UFSD is providing Grab and Go Meals.
" The meals are available for pick up from Lincoln Orens Middle School, 150 Trafalgar Blvd. Island Park, NY 11558.
" We distribute the meals through a sliding window from the kitchen cafeteria in the back of the school during the hours of 8:30 am to 11:00 am.
" Breakfast includes: milk, fruit juice , fruit cup or fresh fruit, choice of bagel, roll or cereal with cheese stick or yogurt.
" Lunch includes: milk, fruit juice, fruit cup or fresh fruit, choice of deli sandwich or pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
" All students with records of allergies have an allergy-free meal prepared for them that are kept separate from the other meals. Each allergy-free bag is labeled with the student's name on it.
Newsday
The excitement of the circus was on display at Island Park’s Lincoln Orens Middle School on Feb. 14, when fifth grade students showcased an assortment of amusements that require great skill, focus, collaboration and talent.
On Feb. 14 Island Park’s Lincoln Orens Middle School participated in P.S. I Love You Day – an annual effort to spread awareness about the importance of mental health.
Students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School in Island Park took a special approach to Valentine’s Day festivities with a tribute to the community’s veterans on Feb. 14.
The Island Park Public Schools commend a total of 16 Lincoln Orens Middle School students that are among the most skilled and talented musicians on Long Island.
Hegarty Celebrates Valentines and Veterans
Hegarty Celebrates Valentines and Veterans
Lincoln Orens Middle School’s “Little Doctors” made a big different on Jan. 30 at the district’s annual blood drive.
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Child Care for First Responders & Health Care Workers
IPS is participating in the SCOPE child care program for parents and guardians who are first responders or health care providers in need of child care coverage while at work. This service is free of charge. Register by visiting www.scopeonline.us. Go to “Click Here for SCOPE Emergency Child Care.” The host site is Rhame Avenue School, 100 Rhame Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518.
Important Survey
The NYS Office of Children and Family Services asks all parents in need of child care assistance due to COVID-19 to complete the following survey.
Thank you. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ
Dear New York State Educators,
Please share this information with families in your community.
As we work through these challenging times together, NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency.
With the recent closure of businesses across the state, many New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19. Many are likely to be eligible for health coverage with financial assistance through NY State of Health due to their loss of coverage and income. NY State of Health opened a Special Enrollment Period last month for people who are uninsured, and the Marketplace has started an awareness campaign to let people know that NY State of Health is there as a safety net in difficult times like these.
New Yorkers who are without health insurance should apply now through NY State of Health. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or subsidized Qualified Health Plan coverage.
Thousands of assistors are ready throughout the state to help consumers enroll by phone. NY State of Health is committed to helping New Yorkers get the coverage they need so they can get the care they need.
Visit us at: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov and let us help you find a health care plan that works for you.
If you have additional questions you can contact the Marketplace directly at 518-486-9102 or NYSOH@health.ny.gov.
- LOMS Google Meet Expectations
- Francis X Hegarty Google Meet Student Expectations
- FXH Google Meet Gr. K Schedule
- FXH Google Meet Gr. 1 Schedule
- FXH Google Meet Gr. 2 Schedule
- FXH Google Meet Gr. 3 Schedule
Instructions for Connecting to i-Ready
ISLAND PARK SCHOOLS
RELATED SERVICES:
The following are activities for physical therapy and occupational therapy. These activities and supports may provide each student equitable access in order to maintain or promote meaningful progress in accordance with his/her IEP, 504 Plan, or other educational needs.
SPEECH
Please visit Ms. Marconi’s (for Mrs. Gold) or Mrs. Lynch’s website for related activities. These pages are posted under “Teacher Pages” for both Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School. On the teacher page, there are activities specifically targeting student skills and IEP Goals.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Games
Outdoor Activities
Indoor Fun
On Line Resources
Preschool Students
Get Moving
Doing Other Activities
Play Games
Outdoor Activities
Games You Can Play
Outdoor Activities
Indoor Fun
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Fine Motor, Visual Motor, and Perceptual Skills
Cutting Tips
Gluing Tips
Pencil Grasp Tips
Hand Strengthening Activities
Visual Skills Activities
Writing Skills
Proper Posture When Writing on a Table Top
Letter Formation
Spacing
Letter and word placement
Typing
Practice Writing Skills
Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing
Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotional responses, actions and level of alertness/attention. It can be influenced by several different factors including sensory processing. Sensory processing is how we process information from the world around us as well as what is going on inside of us to produce an appropriate behavioral response.
Calming Activities
Energizing Activities
Tips for Children with Tactile Sensitivities
Attention and Focus
Also refer to the Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing section; strategies may also result in improved attention and ability to focus.
Toilet Training
Shoe Tying
Dressing
Hand Washing
See PDF: IPS RELATED SERVICES.pdf
