Dear Colleagues,
As we complete our ninth week living under Governor Cuomo's "stay at home" order, we have some recent developments we would like to share with you.
There have been many concerns pertaining to the District's "Phase 3" of the distance learning plan, including the grading policy for the fourth quarter. Unlike the crafting of "Phase 2", the WITA Executive Board was not included in planning "Phase 3". As a result, there have been many problems with the implementation of the plan. We have been discussing the many issues with this newly implemented part of the distance learning plan with both building and district administrators. We strongly encourage all of you, as the practitioners, to continue to offer feedback to your directors and principals.
Regarding this year's Spring Break, we have been working with the Superintendent on the best time for these days to be granted. Currently, our goal is to end the school year five days early on June 19th. Although some questions remain about the interpretation of the Governor's executive order, and although it has yet to be approved by the Board of Education, we do not anticipate working beyond our contractual number of days. We are off Monday May 25th.
Should any member need to utilize a personal day or family illness day, please email your building principal, copy Brian Taylor and Pat Liggan, and enter the day into Absence Track.
The District Office administrators and the District Safety Committee are working diligently on a plan to allow teachers back into their respective buildings to clean up classrooms and collect personal belongings. In addition, a plan is in the works to accommodate the need for students to collect their belongings and other learning materials. There are safety issues that need to be resolved before the district can move forward, so please be patient.
Despite living and working in these unusual times, the West Islip teachers have risen to the occasion to be there for the students and community. Despite the inability to gather in our traditional classrooms, we have brought great comfort and a sense of normalcy into the homes of our students with valuable learning experiences, meaningful lessons, and uplifting messages of hope. As it has always been, West Islip Schools and its teachers are at the center of the community.
