April 7, 2020
Good Afternoon,
I hope that everyone is continuing to remain safe and healthy. I know that social distancing is not easy, but I encourage everyone to please be mindful of how you are feeling and with whom you are coming into contact. The only way to get lives gradually back to normal is by following the recommendations. Please take care of yourselves. We want to see everyone back to school when we are able to open.
Below are some updates for your review and information. Continue to follow all of the latest information in the following ways:
Wallingford Public School District Website
Please continue to access information on our website. This is updated frequently with new resources. We will continue to do so throughout our closure period.
Follow us on:
Facebook: Wallingford Public Schools Facebook Account
Twitter: Wallingford Public Schools Twitter Account
School Calendar
Please remember that there is not distance learning on the following days:
The last day of school still remains Tuesday, June 16, 2020.
We have not heard any additional information as to when in-school classes will resume. We should receive an update from the Commissioner of Education later this week. As soon as I have more to share with students, families, and staff, I will do so.
Health Tip of the Week
“Life is coming at us hard and fast. We haven’t faced a collective challenge like this in a very long time and what a golden opportunity it is. This invisible, undiscriminating virus has the power to shock us from our deeply self-involved slumber and rediscover what is truly important in our lives - each other. As it physically separates us and shines a light on our mortality, it actually connects us to what really matters in life. We all have a choice what to make of it.
Remain positive and learn from this experience. It’s going to take courage. Much like this
pandemic, it is going to be scary and there will be a lot of uncertainty. Start small with your own choices. Be a warrior for change. Consider what is important right in front of you. Then get your boots on the ground and give your energy and time to those things. Do it slowly and daily. That’s how we will find resilience in this difficult time and change the world.”
Excerpts copied with permission from Alicia Farrell, PHD
Budget Update
The Town Public Budget Hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 6 p.m. has been postponed. The new date has not been established. I will inform all families and staff as soon as it has been rescheduled.
Community Resources
Wallingford Public Library
The Wallingford Public Library is offering reading enrichment programming for students in grades K-5. For more information please feel free to email wallingfordchildren@gmail.com.
YMCA
At this time of year, the YMCA usually sends out information about water safety. I have attached the link here for your information. While social distancing is a new normal, I know many pools may be getting ready to open, and I wanted to make sure this water safety information is available to families.
Student Support
If you are struggling with your mental health during this crisis, you are not alone.
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EMPS Crisis Intervention Services: 211
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Text SHARE to 741741 for free, 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
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DCF Hotline: 1-800-842-2288
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Safe School Tip Line: https://www.securly.com/tip OR call 1-833-300-STOP
If your child requires support due to increased anxiety or is struggling during this time, please reach out to your child’s building principal, psychologist, counselor or social worker. Click this link to find the email address of your child’s school counselor.
Domestic Violence Victims: for counseling, shelter and other support services call 888-774-2900 for free anytime 24/7
Technology
To date, over 450 chromebooks and 50 hotspots have been loaned out to families from grades PK-5. In addition, with the Middle School and High School students being 1:1, there were an additional 3,074 computers provided to students. More hotspots are on order, if you have requested one, you should have already been contacted about a pickup.
The IT Department has been busy with almost 300 support requests from families. We are continuing to repair and loan out equipment on an on-going basis. If you are having a technical problem or need to borrow equipment, please fill out the form here: Tech Support Form
Food Services
During the week of April 6th, the food services will be distributing meals on the following dates between 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.:
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Wednesday April 8 - We will be providing student meals for Wednesday and Thursday
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Thursday April 9 - We will be providing student care packages of food for the vacation week (4/13-4/17) at each of our three locations. These will be handed out from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on a first come first serve basis only as long as supplies last.
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We will not be serving on Friday April 10 (Good Friday)
Please note that we will not be distributing meals during the school spring break From April 13 through the 17. The care packages distributed on Thursday, April 9 are meant to help families with some food for vacation week.
Meal service will resume on the week of April 20th, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
I look forward to sending out another message on Thursday.
Make it a great week!
Sal
