
Onward in October
October 19, 2020
The resilience of the Lawrence community has certainly been demonstrated through this month.
Our switch back to full remote instruction was rapid and smooth. The objective to focus on moving learners onward toward their academic goals remains the focus of our leaders, teachers and staff. We continue to wait for announcements from the Govenor on the status of the cluster action initiative, this is expected to happen WEDNESDAY.
Connecting while remote
Although we miss the lively school buildings, our learners are connecting to content and their teachers using Google Classroom.
Increased use while remote
We see that with the hybrid model of instruction, learning connections were frequent and focused. These days of full remote we can graphically see the increase.
Awaiting updates map
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Queens_FarRockaway_map_updated_colors.pdf
As on Monday afternoon we still have not received word on any changes to the cluster action initiative maps.
Moving Onward with Capital Improvements
The district facilities department continues moving full steam ahead even when schools are on full remote instruction. A major improvement to the 195 Broadway Campus, home to the Elementary and Middle School, is to renovate the ‘new section’ of the building. This area, built as an addition in the 1960’s has the gym, cafeteria and the bulk of classroom spaces. The objective is to have this area completely renovated ( classrooms, cafeteria, gym, locker rooms, adaptive Physical Education, bathrooms) with air conditioning by September 2021. Phase one is nearing completion. Phase two will now begin and phase 3 will take place this summer.
This unit now installed in all phase 1 classrooms will provide individualized controls for heating and air conditioning.
Sports have been cancelled this year and the upcoming seasons remain uncertain, but when the pandemic is behind us, new locker rooms await our physical education students and athletes.
Newly renovated bathrooms are easier to keep clean and are awaiting our learners return.
The need for updates in the phase 2 area of the 185 campus is clearly seen.
Stay healthy and stay connected
Once we have an updated map or word from the Governor we will alert staff and families. For now our safest connections remain remote until at least Friday the 23rd.