June 8 Update from NCS
Dear NCS Family:
I hope that you were able to enjoy the sunshine this past weekend, and wanted to take a minute to pass along a handful of recent updates. Because we know that information related to COVID-19 continues to evolve by the day, the following reflects a number of changes related to recent Executive Orders issued by Governor Cuomo.
Graduation Ceremony:
Yesterday, it was announced that the State would allow outdoor graduation ceremonies of up to 150 beginning Saturday, June 26. This is good news for NCS, and Mrs. Green has already communicated more specific information to the Class of 2020 and their parents/guardians. Although our ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27 will be limited in numbers and involve social distancing protocols, it will give us a chance to celebrate an important moment in the lives of our seniors.
Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections:
As you know, school budget votes and board of education elections this year will take place with paper ballots as opposed to in-person voting. However, because certain districts in the State have struggled to meet the original timelines, Governor Cuomo announced on Sunday that voters would have until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 to return their ballots by U.S. mail. However, if individuals would like to drop their completed ballots off directly to NCS, they will have to do so by the original time and date of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. If you have any questions about voting this year, please do not hesitate to call (585-374-7901) or email (mfrahm@naplescsd.org).
Spring High School Virtual Art Show:
Each spring, our secondary students host an annual art show to display works they have created throughout the year. This June, Mr. Frazer and Mrs. Neubauer have put together a terrific Virtual 2020 Art Show (click here) highlighting the talent of our learners in grades 7-12.
Grades 4-12 Student Survey:
To learn more about the experiences students have had during the closure, NCS will be partnering with Finger Lakes Community Schools to administer a brief survey to learners in grades 4-12. The survey is voluntary as well as anonymous, and it will be emailed by our principals to students on Thursday, June 9. However, if you do not want your son or daughter to receive the survey, please email Ms. Saucke (ksaucke@naplescsd.org) or Mrs. Green (ngreen@naplescsd.org) by Wednesday, June 8. A number of schools in the region will be sharing the same survey, and we are hopeful that it will help us to support student needs as we plan for reopening in the fall.
Reflections on Education and Diversity:
Like all of you, I have spent time over the past two weeks talking and thinking about complex issues involving race, equity, and diversity. As a former social studies teacher, I believe at my core that schools have an obligation to help students better understand the stories and events that have shaped our country. On one hand, this means recognizing the individuals and occasions that have strengthened freedom and democracy in the United States. However, it also means engaging in truth-telling about the powerful ways in which slavery, violence, segregation, and mass incarceration have created systems of oppression that continue to cause so much pain in our communities. As we move forward together, please know that we stand committed to creating safe spaces in which students can express their identities, as well as explore important topics related to diversity and inclusivity.
Hoping this finds you safe, healthy, and well, and that our paths can cross again in the near future.
Matt
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