Superintendent's Message
Reflecting on this year and the hardship brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic, at one and the same time I am both impressed and grateful. I am impressed by the resolve of our school staff, students and families in putting their best foot forward in the face of uncertainty and adversity. While students and staff often appreciate a snow day, there was frustration and disappointment with recurring messages of another two-week extension to school closure, the loss of the spring sport's season, and the eventual announcement that we would not return to school this year. That said, our school community took the news in stride, validated the disappointment, and then got back to figuring out how to best complete the next task at hand.
I am grateful for the mutual concern and support for each other that was evident with the unfolding of each new challenge... and there were many. I won't forget the quick turnaround to distribute 560 chromebooks by school staff volunteering with only one hours notice, the smiles of students and families in cars picking up some of our thousands of meals distributed, or the car parade to celebrate our students, staff, and graduating seniors.
It is not yet clear what our new normal will be, but it is increasingly clear that our old normal is a thing of the past. Governor Cuomo plans to release guidance for schools in June, and districts will need to submit a reopening plan in July. Although we have not seen that guidance yet, we do know that decisions about schools will be made based on regional COVID-19 data.
To prepare for a range of possible outcomes, we are forming a School Reopening Committee, comprised of school administrators, teachers, non-instructional staff, parents and students. Broadly speaking, we will plan for scenarios ranging from the extremes of a full return to school, to a continuation of remote learning. In any scenario, our priority is the health and safety of our entire school community.
It can be overwhelming to consider the range of possibilities for September, but we are in this together and the past few months have shown that together we can make great strides in making our district vision a reality.
If you are interested in serving on the School Reopening Committee, please contact my office. We may not be able to include all who volunteer as the group must be a manageable size, but we need the collective wisdom of all stakeholder groups to best plan for the highest levels of student success.
One community. One school. One family.
Budget Vote
Our $14,868,219 budget has passed; yes 352, no 115. No candidates applied to fill one open seat, which carries a five-year term. Michelle McGaw received the Board of Education seat with 142 write-in votes.
Thank you to our community for their support!
2020 Census
Did you know that the census is so important it is mandated by the U.S. Constitution? We’re partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to make sure every person living in the U.S. gets counted in the #2020Census! Fill out your Census now at 2020census.gov.
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K-6 Awards Ceremony
Here are the links to the K-6 Awards Ceremonies: https://fal.cn/38yTM
Thank you for attending yesterday, we are so proud of our Bulldogs!
Virtual "Moving Up Day"
This is the current Grade 5 students meeting with Grade 6 Teachers
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Message from Mrs. Jordan
I am extremely proud of you for all you have overcome to get to this point. You are truly a special group. You were asked to stay home without any notice on March 13th, 2020 just 3 months ago which just happens to be the best 3 months of High School typically for our seniors. So many losses have come as a result of school closure. From missing your daily interactions with your friends and teachers to missing your last season in sports or marching band to the prom and your senior trip being canceled, and for many of you the long-awaited Europe trip was postponed, to the finale of missing the traditional "last walk" as an HCS student as seniors typically parade the hallways with our Pre-K students in cap and gown is just a summary of the challenges that you were dealt.
I see you as special because, in spite of all of that, you stand taller, and seem stronger, and appreciate the little things in life more than ever before. During this time of loss for you, the entire Heuvelton community and HCS school community have united to celebrate you. We believe in you and know that greatness, your personal greatness is just around the corner. As the class picture magnet you received on your locker quoted, you are truly "HCS Family Forever. " We are here for you always. I look forward to the Class of 2020's Graduation celebration in honor of you. This is your story and it's a great one!
Mrs. Jordan
Senior Advice
At the end of every year, Ms. Whalen gives a student survey to have students reflect on what they've learned and to help her reflect on ways I could improve student learning & experiences in my classroom.
One response stuck out to her from Rayna Cameron, If you had one piece of advice to give the upcoming seniors, what would it be?
"Do not take your time for granted. As you walk these halls and laugh with your friends at lunch, seriously take the time to be in the moment and endure it all. Enjoy the teachers getting on you about homework because soon enough you’ll be held accountable all by yourself. If you play sports, treat every practice and game like it’s your last! Don’t complain about morning practices, or late night practices. Don’t complain about the laps you had to run because you were goofing off with your friends. If I had the opportunity I would repeat my senior year and get the extra 4 months I missed. I’m certain 20 years from now I will look back and wish I had gotten more time with the teachers and all my friends, and absolutely wish I could put a jersey on that says Heuvelton, just one more time. So for all you upcoming seniors, relish in the time you have left, because soon, you guys will be sitting here just like me, writing to the next upcoming seniors. Good luck to all of you."
Graduation
Graduation is set to take place on June 27th @ 12:30 pm. The planned location is the soccer field in the back of the school. This will be a closed ceremony with a limited amount of people able to attend. 2 cars per graduate of the immediate family, 2 people are allowed outside the car per graduate in designated spots, all others must remain inside the car. Those seated outside the car will need to bring lawn chairs.
The ceremony will be projected on a Big Screen, with tuning into the FM radio station provided for those in their vehicles. The ceremony will be recorded for later showing and live-streamed for those that can't make it. We will continue to update the community and families with information regarding graduation.
Athletics Awards
Men’s Award- The Robert Bray most valuable senior male athlete award.
Bryce Lake - 3 sport athlete - Football (Canton Merger), Basketball, Baseball
Parents: Dan and Carrie Lake
Gavin Lake - 3 sport athlete - Soccer, Basketball, Baseball
Parents: Brad and Yvette Barney
Women’s award- The Shorty Howe most valuable senior female athlete award.
Megan Woodard - 3 sport athlete - Soccer, Cheerleading, and Softball
Parents: Rob and Lisa Woodard
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CONTACT US
If you have questions, comments, or suggested content for this e-newsletter, please contact Jenna Thompson at jenna.thompson@sllboces.org.
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