-
Dear Irvington Students and Families,I write to you today at the end of our first week of synchronous learning, looking back proudly at the work our staff and students have done to reconnect, push the learning and continue to show that same Bulldog spirit that makes Matt and me feel proud every day.In some ways, it feels like we're beginning anew. What we have seen over the past five days is evidence that our team is strong, it is sincere in its purpose and it is focused truly on what's most important--our growth, our health and our connection to our amazing students and community.Looking ahead at next week, we ask for our students to come with that same positive energy that made this week's connections so positive. Please come to your lessons ready to learn, with that can-do attitude and with the flexibility of thought that makes all of this work so smoothly. We remind our students that the same expectations for respectful and thoughtful interactions that keep us focused on our success during standard learning days remain in place now. Students are reminded that they are to:
- Mute your mic upon entrance if it’s not already muted;
- Set up in a common area of their home and wear school appropriate clothes;
- Use school appropriate language;
- Exhibit school appropriate behavior;
- Ensure they follow all class rules;
- Be sure they are respectful of the teacher, classmates and themselves;
- Try to create a quiet work space where they can limit distractions as much as possible. Students are reminded to turn their phones off or leave it in another room.
- Not permitted to record any other student or faculty member while connecting virtually.
A full list of expectations for this setting can be found by reviewing the Distance Learning Guidelines for Live Classes that are available on the District website.Also, please be sure to read below and join Ms. Gamar and your friends on Wednesdays at 2pm to engage in fun and games. Please, also, mark your calendars to join Ms. Gamar, Mr. Samuelson and me for live grade level meetings to connect per the schedule below in Ms. Gamar's Corner. We miss you!There are many new next steps before us and a number of questions that still want answers. Please know that we have spent this week considering many of these areas--plans for end of year events will be shared as we know more, as will details regarding the calculations of end of year grades. More than anything, know that we are thinking of our students and their families, our faculty and staff and sending our best wishes. We miss all of you deeply.As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for all of your support.Be well,JulietA Letter from the New York State of Health
Meal Distribution Update & Additional Support Meal distribution continues to be available at the Main Street School parking lot from 9am - 10am. Food will then be distributed in the Tarrytown Crossing/Tallyrand parking lot near the playground from 10:15-11:15am. Both breakfast and lunch are available for a “Grab and Go” pickup. Parents, neighbors, and/or friends may pick up food for students. Additionally, every Friday we are distributing meals for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Food is available for free for all Irvington UFSD students and can be picked up by family members, friends and/or neighbors. This means that no child or family will be identified as being eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch when going to receive food. Students and families are asked to pick up the day’s food and return home and maintain social -distancing. Please contact your school counselor if you have any questions or concerns related to meal pick-up.Please know that the Irvington School District is here to support all families during these challenging days. Please take a moment and complete this survey. Doing so will help our district social worker, Gina Menendez, connect with families that may be in need of support to secure food and other resources.Parenting for Prevention 
Ms. Gamar's CornerPlease click on the flyers below and contact Ms. Gamar for support during this time:WIND DOWN WEDNESDAYS at 2pmEvery wednesday, Ms. Gamar will be hosting virtual games, featuring kahoot, bingo, trivia, etc.through google hangout.The link can be found each week onthe new Google Classroom:Positivity from the Positive Impact ClubCode zepyrd5
A Message from Ms. Gamar Regarding Class MeetingsStaying at home and distance learning has left us with many thoughts, feelings, and different ways of addressing our new routine. Mr. Samuelson, Ms. GM and I will be meeting with students by grade, providing an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings about what has been going well, what has been a challenge, and how to stay motivated.The schedule for the meetings is as follows:Senior Meeting for those with last name ending in A-K: Thursday April 30th, 2:15- 3:00pmSenior Meeting for those with last name ending in L-Z: Friday May 1st, 2:15- 3:00pmFreshman Meeting: Monday May 4th, 2:15- 3:00pmSophomore Meeting: Wednesday May 6th, 2:15- 3:00pmJunior Meeting: Thursday May 7th, 2:15- 3:00pmGoogle Meet Codes will be emailed closer to the date of the meeting.
Covid-19 Resources & SupportPlease click on the document below and contact Gina Menendez, District Social Worker, if you are interested in any of the resources below or need assistance in accessing them.Phone: 914 330-2047
June Regents Exams are CanceledAs you know, the NY State Department of Education recently announced that all June Regents exams are cancelled. This decision is consistent with the cancellation of the NY State Math, ELA and Science exams at the elementary and middle levels.While there are several types of situations in which students are exempt from the Regents, most of our students fall into one two categories: Students who are currently enrolled in classes ending in Regents exams and who pass those classes in June are exempt from the exam. In addition, students who are currently preparing to take an exam for a class in which they are not enrolled and for which they have previously earned credit are also exempt from the exam.As you know, many of Irvington High School’s classes cultimate with the Regents exam serving as the final assessment. We are now working to determine how student learning will be assessed in the absence of these exams. Please refer to the email blast from 4/8/20 entitled "June Regents Exams are Canceled" for more information.Wellness Wednesday“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.”― Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s KeeperThe Wellness Wednesday Program at Irvington High School, introduced this school year, is designed to foster the development of healthy habits. Positive messages and quotes have been shared with students throughout the school year.Positive messages will be shared on Wednesdays while we are apart, and include activities and strategies to help students cope with the experience during this time. The hope is that students can use these tools and carry the habits with them in their immediate and distant futures.Staying at home and distance learning has left us with many thoughts, feelings, and different ways of addressing our new routine. Ms. Gamar, our Student Assistance Counselor, will be meeting with students by grade, providing an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings about what has been going well, what has been a challenge, and how to stay motivated.The schedule for the meetings is as follows:Senior Meeting for those with last name ending in A-K: Thursday April 30th, 2:15- 3:00pmSenior Meeting for those with last name ending in L-Z: Friday May 1st, 2:15- 3:00pmFreshman Meeting: Monday May 4th, 2:15- 3:00pmSophomore Meeting: Wednesday May 6th, 2:15- 3:00pmJunior Meeting: Thursday May 7th, 2:15- 3:00pmGoogle Meet Codes will be emailed directly to all students closer to the date of the meeting.Best,Danielle Gamar, Student Assistance CounselorGina Menendez, School Social WorkerKelly Murphy, School PsychologistNoreen Sabia, School PsychologistHeather Attenello, School CounselorEmily Colman, School CounselorAndrew Lund, School CounselorRebecca Kruge, School CounselorStudent Council Corner & The Irvies
Our hearts were filled with the messages of Bulldog spirit and encouragement from the students and teachers last week. Production for a second wave of the Irvington Choice Awards is underway. Please reach out to Ms. Cutignola and/or Mr. Berkowitz if you would like a video of your talent to be included. Also check out the Google Classroom pages for your class to nominate your peers and the staff for an award.
Senior Corner & Survey
Since many end of year activities such as prom, senior awards and graduation may not be possible in traditional ways this year, Student Council is asking seniors to share ideas about ways we could celebrate. A survey is posted on the Senior Class page on Google Classroom - please encourage all seniors to respond by April 30th!
Girl Talk: Give-19
Give-19 is a movement that encourages our Irvington community to unite as one during a time of uncertainty and isolation to support one another! Please click on the flyer below to learn more and get involved!
Counseling Wellness CornerResources from our extraordinary IHS Counseling Team:RELAXJen Monness, of Meditation lab, is offering meditation sessions for Irvington families. Just like you did at school, you can participate in mediation at home! To access these meditation videos, please follow this link and enter the password "SpringMedLab". You can use the videos as many times as you would like.The Monterey Bay Aquarium has guided meditation videos with jellyfish, turtles, and other relaxing critters.The Center for Healthy Minds (connected with the University of Wisconsin) is now sharing their Healthy Minds Program App for free.THE ARTSTake a free MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) online class! Click here to view the many courses available.The Met is releasing live recordings of operas from past years for free.Broadwayworld.com is broadcasting "living room concerts" - big-time Broadway performers singing from their homes, often accompanying themselves. You can sign up on their website to receive alerts when new ones drop.Do you know about Kanopy? LA Library's film catalog. Watch great indies, foreign films, and more for free. All you need is your library card!Want to feel like a kid again? Check out these crafts that will get your hands dirty while making your mind clear!Not sure what craft is right for you? HGTV has an online quiz that can help you decide what your next project should be!
Select a School...
