The last three weeks have been an incredible display of what happens when the school community comes together in a time of crisis. Our members have risen to the occasion, setting aside their own needs to meet the needs of students by overhauling our instruction methods overnight in order to provide a sound education from home. Countless hours have been spent by our members working with one another to collaborate on "best practice" in a realm that is unfamiliar and far from ideal. Our members have managed to emerge as heroes in the West Islip community as teachers, as cheerleaders, and as a reassuring presence to every family we serve.
We know that you may be facing significant challenges at home. We continue to work with the district as the Distance Learning plan continues to evolve. We have ensured that our members are afforded great latitude in how they will provide instructing while making sure that staff meetings and student contact will be limited to very defined hours of the online school day. We will continue to review with the district how the plan works as we move forward.
The district is working with us, in good faith, on a solution for our break that does not negatively impact our state aid, which, if you have listened to the Governor, could already be in jeopardy as the financial costs of this catastrophe continue to mount.
While the Executive order of the Governor may come as unwelcome news during a time when so many need, at least, a moment of pause, please be mindful of the fact that over 122,000 New Yorkers have tested positive for COVID-19, with over 26,000 of those cases right here on Long Island. Over 2,300 people have lost their lives to this terrible virus thus far. These staggering numbers will continue to rise for weeks to come.
There is a great deal to consider when finding perspective in this "new normal". Many families we serve are struggling in ways that were unimaginable just a few weeks ago. On Long Island, 53,000 people have lost their jobs, many of whom aren't receiving a paycheck. Please be considerate of what others in the community are going through when interacting with others or posting on social media. The families we serve are paying attention to what we do and how we act. Our conduct, now more than ever, will speak volumes about our humanity. As such, we will continue to do our part in doing what we do best: working to do what is best for the kids in West Islip.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.Stay strong and healthy!
In solidarity,
The WITA Executive Board
