March 26, 2021
Canal View Families,
I hope you enjoyed this beautiful, mild week. It's amazing what some sunshine and warm temperatures can do to cheer you up after a long winter. As you know, we're preparing for our 4-day reopening to begin on April 12, and we have been busy getting ready for this next big change. It would be difficult to fully express the gratitude I have for all staff, students, and families for showing resiliency through these next steps. I know that we have put together great plans to support your children whether they will be learning from the building or from home. Thank you for your trust and support as we approach this change.
In the next few days, you will be receiving a letter explaining the changes that your children will experience beginning on April 12. My staff and I have worked together to plan for a team approach for meeting students' needs. Although math and reading services have ended, teachers, teaching assistants, and paraprofessionals will be working with students in creative groupings throughout the day to meet their academic needs. All students will remain connected to their current classroom teachers in some way throughout the day, which will provide some necessary consistency. All remote students will remain with their current teachers.
For those families who requested transportation, please note that you will receive a separate mailing with updated busing information.
Finally, please note that we will be slightly altering our arrival and dismissal procedures to accommodate more vehicles on campus. I will send specific updates during the week of April 5. I am certain that our plans will make for a wonderful end to the 2020-2021 school year.
Although much of our time and energy has been focused on reopening efforts, we are also preparing for NYS testing. Students in grades 3-5 will take Computer Based Tests (CBT) for ELA and Math. Grade 4 students will also take the written portion of the NYS Science Exam. If you decide that your child will not take these assessments, please be sure to opt them out by submitting your request in writing or via email to jconrad@spencerportschools.org.
Please submit all opt out requests by Friday, April 2, as we are actively making plans for our testing days.
I hope that you have a wonderful spring recess, and I look forward to seeing our students again on April 5. Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
Warmly,
Denise Lemcke
Principal