CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES
LATEST NEWS
May 15, 2020
Dear Families,
Friday, May 22 will become a day of remote learning. Directives from the state say students and staff will be required to learn and work on this previously scheduled break. On Thursday, May 21st, the meal program will distribute meals for Friday, May 22ndand Monday, May 25th (Memorial Day).
Monday, May 25 will remain as a Holiday for Memorial Day for both staff and students.
Thursday, June 11th will be the last day of school for all students. Plans will be communicated about collecting and returning personal belongings from school and returning school property.
Thursday, June 18th will be the last day for Teachers.Friday, June 26 will be the last day of meal distributions and essential workforce child care.
Please continue to check the District website for updates.
Stay Safe,
Dr. Jeffrey Rabey, Superintendent
May 5, 2020
Wellcats for Life Summer Camp is canceled.
May 1, 2020
On May 1, 2020, Governor Cuomo has announced that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. However, our remote learning will continue for the remainder of the school year. Students are expected to remain engaged with their teachers and their assigned academic work. Furthermore, the District will continue its established meal distribution plan and the emergency child care program for the essential work force. Please continue to check the District website for updates.
Stay Safe and Take Care,
Dr. Jeffrey Rabey
Superintendent
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Girl Scouts of WNY
The following program opportunities are available on Facebook live to the general public for free to anyone interested (not just registered Girl Scouts) at WNY Girl Scouts Facebook Page.
Daisies (1st grade & K) - Weekly Meetings on Tuesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Brownies (2nd & 3rd grade) - Weekly Meetings on Thursdays 10-11 a.m.
Pre-K - Weekly Meetings on Fridays 1-2 p.m.
In the month of June, our staff will also host virtual meet-up opportunities across our council. Meet-Ups are free month-long interactive programs offering all girls ages 5-8 a taste of the Girl Scout experience. Girls will meet new friends, tap into their creativity, and discover how to take the lead in her own life and the world.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MESSAGE
May 26, 2020
Please read the May 26, 2020 Letter to 8th Grade Families.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE
May 8, 2020
There have been many questions on yearbook, musical refunds etc. Please know that we are in the process of working out the details on each one of these issues. As we get to the point when we have finalized plans, information will be sent out. At this time we have some however incomplete information to provide to you. As we receive firmed up answers to these questions, information will go out at that time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Graduation - A graduation celebration will happen! Plans are in the works and when the final version of the ceremony is ready, this will be shared with seniors and their families. Information on cap and gown pick up dates will be coming out soon.
End of the year awards will still be given out to students including scholarships. How these will be presented is in the works.
Senior yard signs were distributed and senior signs with senior portraits were purchased and will be placed along Transit Rd in honor of our seniors.
The yearbook will be distributed once the printing companies are open and can print the books. We believe that this will be by the end of June. A virtual signing is being organized by Mr. Maroshick
The music department is working with the travel agency to get funds reimbursed to band and choral members who were attending the band/choral trip.
The music department is also working to refund ticket money.
You will be notified of a time and place for Chromebook drop-off which takes place at the end of the school year
Hall lockers, physical education lockers and music lockers will be emptied and tagged by staff. These will be delivered by district transportation.
More information to follow. We hope that you and your family are healthy and again, thank you for your understanding.
UNIVERSAL PRE-K UPDATE
We will be accepting completed Universal Pre- K registration packets on the following dates from 8:30am until 12 noon:
Tuesday- May 12 and May 19
Wednesday- May 13 and May 20
Thursday- May 14 and May 21
When dropping off a packet, a face mask will be required to enter the drop off vestibule. Please enter the door to the far left and look for the bright orange sign that says UPK. Only one person is permitted to enter the vestibule at a time. To comply with social distancing, we ask that you wait six feet from the door on the X’s marked on the sidewalk, if someone is already in the vestibule. Please do not enter the vestibule until the person ahead of you has left.
Registration packets will not be considered without proper proof of residency and original birth certificate.
GUIDANCE ON INSTRUCTION
EMERGENCY CHILDCARE AVAILABLE FOR ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL
The Depew Union Free School District is partnering with the YMCA to provide childcare to the Depew School-Community residents, who essential workers at no cost to these families.
The emergency childcare will be provided Monday thru Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Cayuga Heights Elementary School and begin Monday, March 23rd.
Contact Jennifer Stack at 684-2395 or jstack@ymcabn.org and fill out the Registration Form, Work Attestation Form and Emergency Reservation Form.
Essential health care workers may include licensed health professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, LPNs and nurse assistants or laboratory personnel.
Direct support professionals may include clinicians and support staff serving the behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and child welfare communities in residential and community- based care settings.
First responders may include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, and firefighters, correctional officers or related support personnel necessary to execute these duties. • Food manufacturing, production, distribution and supply including supermarket workers and food preparation.
Transportation including commercial truck driver of necessary supplies and equipment, transit workers, air and rail and carriers of critical and essential materials.
Construction and Manufacturing including specialized equipment related to health or safety of the public.
Nonprofit and social service agencies providing support to families and employees in related fields.
MEALS AVAILABLE AT CAYUGA HEIGHTS
During the COVID-19 Closure, breakfast & lunch for all children (K-12) will be provided at Cayuga Heights Elementary, along with additional pick up zones within the district. Parents may select the site that is closest to their home starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. See more information
AT-HOME INSTRUCTION
COVID-19 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL RESOURCES
Fear and stress resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19 can be overwhelming for both adults and children. Your students may be overcome with many questions, fears, and anxieties, leaving teachers and parents to figure out how to support them while also managing their own emotions.
Check out the links below to learn how you can play a pivotal role in proactively supporting the well-being of the school community, as well as yourself, both virtually and in person.
Support the mental health and well-being of students and staff during COVOD-19
END-OF YEAR EXPECTATIONS K-12
PARENT SCHOOLOGY RESOURCES
Schoology Parent Sign-Up Video
Schoology Parent Access VideoParent Guide to Schoology - updated
Dear Cayuga Heights Parents, In light of the recent events, we are taking a proactive approach in the potential of an extended school closure. Find more information in this CHE Letter to Parents (3/20/2020)
CHE Letter to Parents (3/13/2020)
Cayuga Heights Assignments Folder
Middle and High School students should check their email and Schoology frequently for assignment updates from their teachers.
DMS Principal's Letter to Students and Parents (3/17/20)
Dear DHS Families, Your child(ren)’s education continues to be a top priority. We are equipped to provide the curriculum to all students digitally through their Chromebooks. Teachers are sending out directions for each of their content areas and providing resources, assignments, projects, and activities. The District needs your help and support in this important work.
COUNSELING RESOURCES
Student Support Resources (Depew Counseling Center) *You will need to log in to your Depew student email account to view
Parent Resource on COVID-19 (Depew Counseling Center)
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has released a memo with Resources for Mental Health and Talking To Young People about COVID-19.
The NYS Office of Mental Health has instituted a 24-hour helpline for anyone suffering emotional distress over this pandemic. Call 1-844-863-9314 and check out the informational flyer here.