Dear Colleagues and Friends,
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work, your dedication and support. We still can't believe how you transformed education in West Islip "on a dime". We are so proud to work here with this amazing staff that educates our students and works with our parents, tirelessly, through thick and thin.
Beginning on the evening of March 11th with an automated phone call, our professional and personal lives as we knew them, were changed in an instant. At the time, it was nearly impossible to fathom the societal upheaval that was yet to come. For us, there was little time to dwell in observation of what was happening. Instead, West Islip teachers sprang into action, answering the call of our community, to find a best path forward to continue the education of our students. It has been tough, and although it was not ideal, the commitment and dedication of West Islip teachers brought great comfort to the children we serve.
Today we celebrate the great work we did, despite the many obstacles. Virtually overnight, we engaged in the great experiment of distance learning. Working together, West Islip teachers developed a model of best practice, that we are proud to say, is as good (or better) as any that is out there.
In one of the most challenging political climates we have faced, we were able to mount a successful campaign to overwhelmingly pass the school budget for next year. In addition, our WITA endorsed candidate, Anthony Tussie, prevailed in the BOE trustee election by over one thousand votes! This effort was made possible by the hard work of so many of you who joined our phone bank and called our NYSUT members in the community to get out the vote.
We want to extend our most heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your good work and tireless dedication during this most uncertain time.
We hope you all have a wonderful (and very much deserved) break. We are working with the district to develop a plan to re-open safely in September.
We are available all summer should you need to reach out for anything.
Stay safe and stay well! In solidarity.
