March 17, 2020
Dear South Orangetown Families,
Per the communication sent yesterday, the South Orangetown Central School District–including all school buildings and grounds–will be closed from Thursday, March 19 through Monday, March 30.
At this time, we are awaiting guidance from the New York State Education Department relating to distance learning. With this in mind, distance learning will not begin before Monday, March 30.
We anticipate that school closings will extend beyond March 30 and are preparing accordingly. If this is the case, our teachers, instructional coaches and technology staff have developed distance learning plans to sustain the continuity of our academic program. More information about distance learning will be available should the need arise.
In the meantime, the following supports and services will be available to families through Monday, March 30:
District Hotline
For non-emergency, confidential counseling support and/or to discuss health concerns, please call (845) 680-1025, Monday through Friday, between 9:00AM-2:00PM, or email socsdcares@socsd.org. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
For all other matters, please call (845) 680-1005, Monday through Friday, between 9:00AM-2:00PM.
Food Service
Beginning Monday, March 23, the South Orangetown Central School District will provide free “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch for children (18 years old or younger) in our District. This food service will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00AM-12:00PM, while our schools are closed due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Meals will be distributed via a walk-up kiosk located at the side door of the South Orangetown Middle School Cafeteria, at the rear of the Erie Street parking lot.
Please keep in mind that there are a limited number of meals available each day and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. View menu here.
Home delivery is available for those unable to travel to the SOMS Cafeteria distribution site. One week’s worth of breakfast and lunch will be delivered on Mondays only, between 9:00-11:00AM. If you are unable to travel to the distribution site, please call the District Hotline at (845) 680-1025, Monday through Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM, or email socsdcares@socsd.org.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration Assistance sessions originally scheduled for this week have been canceled. In-person registration is suspended until March 30; however, the online registration system (InfoSnap) is still available.
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This is a stressful and challenging time for all of us. Keeping our students and staff safe and healthy remains our first priority. We are working around the clock to support the needs of all our families as we weather this crisis together. Thank you for your understanding and patience. We are confident that these measures will help to provide stability during these uncertain times.
Sincerely,
Robert R. Pritchard, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools