January 7 Parent Communication
Dear NCS Families,
As the first week of 2021 winds to a close, I wanted to take a minute to provide a handful of updates from NCS. However, if you can think of additional ways we can provide support for your son or daughter, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Caring for Students:
Like many of you, I had a tough time falling asleep last night after the events that transpired in our nation’s capital. Regardless of political belief, our community is comprised of individuals who care deeply for our country, and the scenes coming in from Washington, DC were difficult to watch. It may be helpful for you to talk with your child if they have questions about these events or if they seem worried or concerned. Please know, however, that today we are focused on creating safe and respectful spaces for students to learn. Our faculty and staff have the training and experience needed to support learners who are struggling, as well as the skills required to help kids unpack complex issues when they have questions.
With that being said, the current public health crisis has made it more challenging than ever to recognize when students are dealing with increased anxiety. Face coverings can allow students to mask their true emotions, and remote learning presents new obstacles to establishing a sense of connection.
Because you spend more time than anyone with your son or daughter, we ask that you keep a close eye on how they are doing when they are not at school. Dr. Meteyer, our Elementary School Psychologist, has put together an important resource (click here) for identifying children who are dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, and I would encourage you to contact one of our school counselors or psychologist if there is anything we can do to help.
Positive COVID Case:
Earlier today, we were notified by the Ontario County Department of Health (DOH) that a High School student had tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last in school on Monday, December 21, and the student is currently in isolation in alignment with DOH guidelines.
Because the student did not attend classes at NCS or participate in any athletic or extracurricular activities during their infectious period, we will continue with our normal school schedule and operations.
Changes in Learning Placements:
Although it is difficult to believe, the first half of the school year will come to a close on Friday, January 29. If you would like to request a change related to the learning placement or the transportation of your child, I would ask that you contact Ms. Saucke (Elementary School Principal: 585-374-7951, ksaucke@naplescsd.org) or Mrs. Green (High School Principal: 585-374-7927, ngreen2@naplescsd.org) when you have time. While we have already made a number of changes so far this year, we will try our best to accommodate the preferences of individual families.
Computer Based Testing Simulation:
At this point, it is still unclear if New York State will be administering required exams later on this spring. However, next week our in-person learners in grades 3-8 will be participating in a brief computer based testing simulation. The questions will be ungraded, and it will be a good opportunity for us to learn more about digital assessments. If you have any questions about the simulation, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Saucke or Mrs. Green.
Finally, I wanted to ask that you prioritize self-awareness and self-care in the days ahead. We all know that when going over safety procedures on airplanes, flight attendants instruct passengers to place oxygen masks on themselves first so that they can better assist those around them.
The same can be applied to caring for children. Too often, kids absorb the stress of adults in their lives without really understanding the source of the emotions. If you find yourself seeking assistance or support, I would encourage you to look over this resource guide (click here) put together by our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Clark.
Thank you for continuing to value a sense of connection here at NCS, and for your commitment to keeping our school family safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Matt
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