Good evening,
Today is Earth Day. In fact, it is the 50th anniversary of this event meant to emphasize our need to protect and preserve our planet. National Geographic is encouraging kids to start their own safaris by creating artwork featuring their favorite animals (there are resources on their website – https://www.nationalgeographic.com – to get started. National Geographic is then encouraging students to hang their art in windows so that others can see them as they (safely) walk or drive around the neighborhood. If no one could see a picture posted in a window at your house, think about other places you could post it.
Also today, in the Wallkill Valley Times weekly newspaper, there is a big two-page spread about virtual classrooms in Pine Bush featuring four Pine Bush teachers representing all three levels of instruction– elementary school, middle school and high school. I want to give a shout out to Melissa Prendys, Aileen Semonick, Katie Green, and Dr. Mike Raucci – they all did a great job of representing the creative ways that Pine Bush is serving its students during this unusual time of all virtual learning.
The paper also contained a story about the Getty Challenge conducted by art teacher, Patrice Butler, that I told you about last week.
I have received word that Pine Bush High School has been recognized as one of the Best High Schools in America by US News and World Report. This is the fourth year in a row that we have earned this prestigious designation. It is a testament not only to the leadership and staff at Pine Bush High School, but also to the students who consistently conquer the academic challenges that our teachers place before them. Congratulations!
Today saw another drop in both hospitalizations and reported deaths due to COVID-19 in both New York State and in Orange County. I was in a virtual meeting today with County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who shared the positive news. While I remain hopeful that we will at some point be able to return to school, we still don’t know when that will be. Massachusetts became the 39th state to close schools for the remainder of this year, and I am mindful that this could be our fate as well.
I’ll be back with my next update on Friday. Until then, take good care of yourselves and stay safe!
Tim Mains, Superintendent