Revised September & October Reopening Calendar
Mahopac Central School District
From the Superintendent
September 18, 2020
Dear Mahopac Community,
As we plan to welcome our students back to our hybrid plan, we approached this work thoughtfully, and with an enormous sense of responsibility to provide needed support for the in-person learning of our students. Today, I am pleased to share with you a revised schedule for reopening beginning September 29.
In developing this timeline, there were key aspects and student supports that guided our decision making process. We felt it was very important that we transition our youngest students as well as our building transition students first. (Grades K,1,2,6,9) . The hybrid model will start
for Grades 3,4,5,7,8,10,11,12 on Monday, October 5th.
Here is the schedule (it will also posted on the District homepage and on social media).
These are today's updates:
- Required Daily Online Student Health Screenings for In-Person Learning Days - The District will be using the ezSCRN instrument in order to conduct its required student health screenings, in addition to having students' temperatures be taken upon arrival to school. Beginning on October 5, 2020 all parents and guardians will be required to complete their child's self-assessment screening each day their child is physically attending their school building. Please read this linked letter for important information on the ezSCRN online screening tool.
- Spotlights and Board of Education Meetings - For those of you who have been following the reopening of our schools, you know that Board of Education meetings and Spotlights are one of the many sources for information. The latest Spotlight, which I taped on Wednesday, can be viewed here. Board of Education meetings are available live and taped on our local cable channels Comcast 22 and Verizon 46. For a complete schedule of meetings, please visit the District Clerk page of the website.
- Communication around the reopening plan - Thank you to all who have called, emailed, or otherwise reached out with comments and questions. Please continue to contact us; your voices are important. Contact information can be found on the Contact page of the District website. For your information:
- Building specific questions should be sent to the building principal
- Teaching & Learning questions should be sent to Michael Tromblee,
- Technology & Safety questions should be sent to Greg Stowell.
- Food Service Drive Up - This service started Monday and will continue each week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MHS front entrance until further notice. Meals are free to anyone 18 or younger through December 31st or funding runs out according to the USDA. Free and Reduced Applications must still be completed on time and are available on the District Website resources section of the District’s Food Services webpage. If an application is not received and approved, your account will be reverted to an individual payment account when the extension expires.
- Technology Issues - Please remember that the Helpdesk is not a drop-by service. Hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a technology issue please fill out a request at https://lhric.service-now.com/student. You will be contacted by a technician within 24 hours to troubleshoot and determine next steps. Please remember your student can sign in to his or her Mahopac account and access all school information on any device that has a Google Chrome browser.
- Back-to-School/Meet the Teams Nights - Please save dates for this year’s back to school nights. Invitations will be sent directly from building principals.
- Grades K-2 - via Google Meet, Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m.
- Grades 3-5 - via Google Meet, Thursday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.
- Grade 6 - via Google Meet, Tuesday October 6, 6:45 p.m.
- Grade 7 - via Google Meet, Thursday October 8, 6:45 p.m.
- Grade 8 - via Google Meet, Wednesday, October 14, 6:45 p.m.
- MHS - via Google Meet, Monday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m.
- Teaching and Learning Update - Along with the challenges that remote learning has presented, it has provided the opportunity to, through thoughtful planning, open our schools the right way. By listening to teachers, building leaders, stakeholders, and other districts, we have the benefit of learning from the struggles, success, and suggestions that other schools have experienced by going first. Through this careful, ongoing analysis we have updated expectations surrounding our hybrid learning plan to ensure positive learning experiences and appropriate support for students who are both in the classroom and learning remotely. Another benefit has been the ability to be responsive to our teachers’ request for time to coordinate planning and engage in professional learning. We devoted three days of professional development at the start of this year and, as indicated on the calendar above, have added two more in October in the form of two half days. These proactive actions will ultimately benefit our students. We will continue to update you on this topic.
- Thank you Mahopac Public Library - There is a long history of collaboration between the Mahopac Public Library and the Mahopac Schools and the pandemic has not changed that. The relationship has been sustained by the commitment to open communication and commitment of both MPL staff and MCSD administration to find ways that the library can support our curricular programs and we can support patron usage of the library. Parents and students can attain a library card online by completing a google form from the website: https://mahopaclibrary.org/ and then access Ebooks, Audiobooks as well as Tumblebooks to supplement their in-school ELA/literacy instruction, an online tutoring service (Help Now), Creative bug-online art resources and Digital Magazines.
Stay safe,
Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendent of Schools
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18 de septiembre de 2020
Estimada comunidad Mahopac,
Mientras planeamos darles la bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes a nuestro plan híbrido, abordamos este trabajo con consideración y con un enorme sentido de responsabilidad para brindar el apoyo necesario para el aprendizaje en persona de nuestros estudiantes. Hoy, me complace compartir con ustedes un calendario revisado para la reapertura a partir del 29 de septiembre.
Al desarrollar esta línea de tiempo, hubo aspectos clave y apoyos para los estudiantes que guiaron nuestro proceso de toma de decisiones. Sentimos que era muy importante que primero hiciéramos la transición de nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes, así como también de nuestros estudiantes de transición de edificio. (Grados K, 1, 2, 6, 9). El modelo híbrido comenzarápara los Grados 3,4,5,7,8,10,11,12 el lunes 5 de octubre.
Aquí están las actualizaciones de hoy:
- Exámenes de salud estudiantiles en línea diarios obligatorios para los días de aprendizaje en persona: el distrito utilizará el instrumento ezSCRN para realizar los exámenes de salud requeridos para los estudiantes, además de que se tomen las temperaturas de los estudiantes al llegar a la escuela. A partir del 5 de octubre de 2020, todos los padres y tutores deberán completar la evaluación de autoevaluación de su hijo cada día que su hijo asista físicamente al edificio escolar. Lea esta carta vinculada para obtener información importante sobre la herramienta de evaluación en línea ezSCRN.
- Spotlights y reuniones de la Junta de Educación: para aquellos de ustedes que han estado siguiendo la reapertura de nuestras escuelas, saben que las reuniones de la Junta de Educación y Spotlights son una de las muchas fuentes de información. El último Spotlight, que grabé el miércoles, puede ser visto aquí. Las reuniones de la Junta de Educación están disponibles en vivo y grabadas en nuestros canales de cable locales Comcast 22 y Verizon 46. Para obtener un calendario completo de reuniones, visite la página del Secretario del Distrito del sitio web.
- Comunicación sobre el plan de reapertura: gracias a todos los que llamaron, enviaron correos electrónicos o se comunicaron con comentarios y preguntas. Continúe comunicándose con nosotros; tus voces son importantes. La información de contacto se puede encontrar en la página de contacto del sitio web del distrito. Para tu información:
- Las preguntas específicas del edificio deben enviarse al director del edificio.
- Las preguntas sobre enseñanza y aprendizaje deben enviarse a Michael Tromblee,
- Las preguntas sobre tecnología y seguridad deben enviarse a Greg Stowell.
- Food Service Drive Up: este servicio comenzó el lunes y continuará cada semana los lunes y miércoles de 11:00 a.m. a 12:30 p.m. en la entrada principal de MHS hasta nuevo aviso. Las comidas son gratuitas para cualquier persona de 18 años o menor hasta el 31 de diciembre o los fondos se agotan según el USDA. Las solicitudes gratuitas y reducidas aún deben completarse a tiempo y están disponibles en la sección de recursos del sitio web del distrito de la página web de servicios de alimentos del distrito. Si una solicitud no se recibe y no se aprueba, su cuenta se revertirá a una cuenta de pago individual cuando expire la extensión.
- Problemas de tecnología: recuerde que el servicio de asistencia técnica no es un servicio directo. El horario es de lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. a 10 a.m. y 2 p.m. a las 4 p.m. Si tiene un problema tecnológico, complete una solicitud en https://lhric.service-now.com/student. Un técnico se comunicará con usted en un plazo de 24 horas para solucionar el problema y determinar los próximos pasos. Recuerde que su estudiante puede iniciar sesión en su cuenta Mahopac y acceder a toda la información de la escuela en cualquier dispositivo que tenga un navegador Google Chrome.
- Noches de regreso a clases / Conozca a los equipos: Por favor, guarde las fechas para las noches de regreso a clases de este año. Las invitaciones se enviarán directamente de los directores de la escuela.
- Grados K-2: a través de Google Meet, martes 13 de octubre, 7:00 p.m.
- Grados 3-5: a través de Google Meet, jueves 15 de octubre, 7:00 p.m.
- 6. ° grado: a través de Google Meet, martes 6 de octubre a las 6:45 p.m.
- 7. ° grado: a través de Google Meet, jueves 8 de octubre a las 6:45 p.m.
- 8. ° grado: a través de Google Meet, miércoles 14 de octubre a las 6:45 p.m.
- MHS: a través de Google Meet, el lunes 19 de octubre a las 7:00 p.m.
- Actualización de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje: junto con los desafíos que ha presentado el aprendizaje remoto, ha brindado la oportunidad de, a través de una planificación cuidadosa, abrir nuestras escuelas de la manera correcta. Al escuchar a los maestros, líderes de construcción, partes interesadas y otros distritos, tenemos el beneficio de aprender de las luchas, el éxito y las sugerencias que otras escuelas han experimentado al ir primero. A través de este análisis cuidadoso y continuo, hemos actualizado las expectativas en torno a nuestro plan de aprendizaje híbrido para garantizar experiencias de aprendizaje positivas y el apoyo adecuado para los estudiantes que están tanto en el aula como aprendiendo de forma remota. Otro beneficio ha sido la capacidad de responder a la solicitud de tiempo de nuestros maestros para coordinar la planificación y participar en el aprendizaje profesional. Dedicamos tres días de desarrollo profesional a principios de este año y, como se indica en el calendario anterior, hemos agregado dos más en octubre en forma de dos medios días. Estas acciones proactivas beneficiarán en última instancia a nuestros estudiantes. Continuaremos actualizándote sobre este tema.
- Gracias Biblioteca Pública de Mahopac: Existe una larga historia de colaboración entre la Biblioteca Pública de Mahopac y las Escuelas de Mahopac y la pandemia no ha cambiado eso. La relación ha sido sostenida por el compromiso de comunicación abierta y el compromiso tanto del personal de MPL como de la administración de MCSD para encontrar formas en que la biblioteca pueda apoyar nuestros programas curriculares y podamos apoyar el uso de la biblioteca por parte de los usuarios. Los padres y los estudiantes pueden obtener una tarjeta de la biblioteca en línea completando un formulario de Google en el sitio web: https://mahopaclibrary.org/ y luego acceder a libros electrónicos, audiolibros y Tumblebooks para complementar su instrucción de ELA / alfabetización en la escuela, una tutoría en línea servicio (Ayuda ahora), recursos de arte Creative bug-online y revistas digitales.
Mantenerse a salvo,
Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendente de escuelas
News & Headlines
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featured post
Austin Road Welcomes New Assistant Principal
Michelle Tween has joined Austin Road Elementary as the school’s new assistant principal.
“I speak for everyone at Austin Road in saying that I am pleased to welcome Michelle to the Austin Road Family,” said Principal Bryan Gilligan. “I am grateful to the administration and The Board of Education for working diligently to select someone with the combination of educational experience and philosophy that she brings. I look forward to working closely with her to continue the good work being done at Austin Road to the benefit of all our students. I believe that her passion and dedication to early childhood and elementary education is well-aligned with mine and am confident will make a great team.”
Prior to joining Austin Road, Mrs.Tween spent nearly a decade as Director of Early Childhood Education at the Chapel School in Bronxville supervising and supporting preschool and K-2 team leaders, teachers, and teacher aides. Her other duties included coaching and observing teachers in instruction, management, and planning. She also created and implemented a schedule and protocol for school-wide faculty instructional rounds to create a culture of collegiality and collaboration. She was a reading specialist and a classroom teacher for Kindergarten, first, and second grades and participated on and led several educational and community committees including chairing the Cultural Competence Curriculum Review Committee.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Austin Road team. The warm welcome I received from Mr. Gilligan, the staff, and all of the teachers has been nothing short of amazing,” said Mrs. Tween. “Everything that I was told about the culture of Austin Road is what drew me here, and my experience so far is better than I could have imagined. Austin Road’s commitment to each other, to our students, and to our families will continue to keep us a truly connected and strong community.”
Mrs. Tween, who lives in Eastchester, NY, earned both a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fordham University and a master’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education as well as an advanced diploma in school building leadership from The College of New Rochelle. She returned to Fordham to earn an Ed.D in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy and is planning to graduate in 2021.
District News & Headlines -
Revised September/October School Calendar
Follow this link for a printable version:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/121yB1tVvCWqhRsb0lkOfGeSK7wADLED26F9NqHQurPA/edit?usp=sharingDistrict News & Headlines -
Welcome Stephen Luciana - Mahopac's New Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics
The Mahopac Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Anthony DiCarlo are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Luciana as Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics for the Mahopac Central School District. He was appointed during a special meeting on May 6, 2020.
Luciana has an extensive background in physical education, health and athletics and will join Mahopac from the Pelham Public School District, where he served as director of health, physical education and athletics. During his tenure, he worked collaboratively with each department implementing the district’s philosophy of inspiring excellence to address the academic, physical, and emotional needs of his students. Specifically he increased the number of athletic teams, created a student athlete committee, and played an integral role in capital improvements related to district athletics. Prior to Pelham, he served as the Assistant Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics in the Yonkers Public Schools and taught physical education at Greenburgh Eleven and P.S. 32 in the Bronx. He has also held various coaching positions in football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse in Ardsley and Chester.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Luciana to Mahopac,” Superintendent of Schools Mr. DiCarlo said. “His commitment building school spirit and promoting a positive culture will be an excellent fit in Mahopac as we work to define the future of our programs. His passion for athletics and his student-centered approach will serve us well in leading our physical education, health and athletics department. ”
Luciana earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and his master’s degree in school administration Mercy College.
“I am honored and humbled to join a team of administrators that fosters such a high standard of student achievement and pride,” Luciana said. “I would like to thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with the highly-respected athletic programs of the Mahopac Central School District. I am eager to begin our partnership and bring my dedication and experience in fostering academic and athletic excellence to the Mahopac community.”
Mr. Luciana succeeds Frank Miele who came out of retirement to step back into the Athletic Director position in Spring 2019, “Frank provided us with steady, reliable leadership just when we needed it most, “DiCarlo said. “He re-established the connections among our athletic department, student athletes, coaches, and community which have positioned us well for the next chapter in Mahopac Athletics. His legacy in Mahopac will live on forever. I cannot thank him enough.”
Luciana will step into his new position on July 1.
District News & Headlines -
Mahopac Board of Education Names President and Vice President
Michael Mongon, a 1979 graduate of Mahopac High School, will serve as Mahopac Board of Education President for the 2020-2021 school year, while Adam Savino assumes the role of vice president.
Mongon and his wife, Lynne, a 1981 graduate of MHS, together have six children including three MHS graduates. Mongon is a Sports Fields and Parks consultant and Assistant Superintendent for Parks in New Jersey. He also serves on the Town of Carmel Recreation Committee.
“It’s all about creating an environment where our schools’ staff, both instructional and non-instructional, feel supported, trusted and respected,” Mongon said. “This can be achieved with strong leadership, vision and communication – hallmarks of creating and establishing a true team.”
Although cognizant of the challenges facing school districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mongon nonetheless said he was looking forward to helping Mahopac teachers, non-instructional staff and administrators emerge from the crisis stronger than ever. He praised the district for getting Chromebooks to students during the distance learning period.
“When everyone had to shut down and switch to remote learning, our first thought was how are we going to ensure that all students can get to a computer,” said Mongon. “We were one of the districts able to outfit all of our students with Chromebooks.”
As the district moves forward, Mongon said he would like to enhance training for teachers who need to gain greater confidence with instructional technology, while continuing to support those teachers who are already facile in the use of technology.
“We have excellent teachers and an amazing and very skilled support staff,” he said. “We have to give them the resources to do their jobs effectively. It is an entire team effort.”
Savino, who has worked in the utility industry for 30 years, is also a longtime resident, having been raised in Mahopac. The father of two was elected to the board in June 2019, having served as co-president of the Lakeview PTO for two years. He is active in the community, notably as a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department and Vice Chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
District News & Headlines -
Special Edition Spotlight: District Busing
Please enjoy this Spotlight for all District Families about busing.
District News & Headlines -
Please take our Transportation Survey
Parents and guardians, please click here to take the Transportation Department’s survey to help us plan for September.
District News & Headlines -
Share Your Thoughts on Regional Reentry Planning thru 7/13
Recently, Mr. Tromblee, our Assistant Superintendent Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning, held town hall meetings to discuss considerations should the district need to reopen in a distance learning format. These discussions are part of a larger planning approach to reopening. Thank you to all who participated. Additionally, MCSD has been engaged in regional discussions to help coordinate reopening planning and to align to best practice.
As school districts in our region collectively prepare to continue to plan for reentry in some capacity in Fall 2020, 12 districts within the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES region are interested in learning what you believe is most important to consider for reentry.
The Thoughtexchange tool is being used to capture a broad range of perspectives and to gain a better understanding of what is important to those in our school communities and throughout our region about reentry.
We hope our families, staff, students, and community members will take time to participate in this regional discussion. To access the Thoughtexchange, click this link: https://my.thoughtexchange.
com/309679837 .After entering the Thoughtexchange, click the participate button to share your thoughts and then rate at least 20-30 of the thoughts shared by others.
When participating, please keep the following in mind:
- This exchange is confidential. Your thoughts will be shared, but not your identity.
- Please be polite and respectful as you share and rate thoughts.
- If you see a thought that is rude, hurtful or identifies a person or group, you can report it by clicking in the upper right corner of the thought.
Please feel free to revisit the Thoughtexchange site often to rate new ideas until it closes at midnight on Monday, July 13, 2020.
Thank you for participating and sharing your thoughts to help our school communities and our region best plan for a smooth and successful reentry.
Participating school districts include: Bedford CSD, Brewster CSD, Carmel CSD, Chappaqua CSD Croton-Harmon UFSD, Garrison UFSD, Mahopac CSD, Katonah-Lewisboro CSD, Lakeland CSD, North Salem CSD, Ossining UFSD, and Somers CSD.
If you need technical assistance, please call Thoughtexchange at 1-800-361-9027 ext. 4 or email help@thoughtexchange.com. For more general information about Thoughtexchange, go to: www.thoughtexchange.com.
Thank you,
Mahopac Central School District
District News & Headlines
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