March 13 2020 - KLSD Schools Update

March 13, 2020

Dear KLSD Families,

Wanting our students and families to have an idea of what next week will bring as we go into the weekend, I share the following. Our schools will be closed to students and all activities will continue to be cancelled for at least all of next week, through Sunday, March 22. It continues to be the case that I am not aware of a single confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school community. This closing is intended to help slow the spread of this virus, and to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and the broader community.

That’s where we are today. We know the situation around us continues to evolve rapidly, and it’s certainly possible that I’ll be back to you with additional information in the coming days. My superintendent colleagues from throughout the Lower Hudson region and I continue to be in almost daily contact with our State officials. There are a number of questions yet to be definitively answered about school calendar and other details. I will share the answers when I have them.

Our teachers and administrators have continued working tirelessly towards distance learning activities for our students. They will continue those preparations on Monday and Tuesday. Students can expect to hear from their teachers on Wednesday.

For any students in need of lunch while we are closed, lunches to go will be available at the entrance to John Jay High School from 11:30 to 1:30 on Monday to Friday next week.

It goes without saying that these are incredibly challenging times. Please know that I have no desire to close schools, nor to interrupt our students’ learning, nor to cancel the many extracurricular activities they so love. These are the things our students should be doing. But at the moment, the health and safety of our broader community must come first.

Please continue to exercise all the necessary precautions recommended to us regarding the coronavirus. You can find a great deal of relevant information on our website.

I ask our students not to gather in groups on our school grounds while we are closed. Please be safe. Connect with your friends virtually, talk on the phone, and don’t forget to wash your hands often.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care,

Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools