Monday, June 8, 2020



Dear Braves Family,



Well to say there was a lot of news over the weekend is an understatement. In education, we are always taught to stay flexible and nimble. The last few days are truly testing that sentiment. The Governor changed his stance on three substantial items (graduation, absentee ballots, and summer school) since Friday night and has sent all of us into overdrive trying to respond and figure out what all this means since these decisions lacked, and still lack, any explanation nor detail. There is a lot of important information in this communication so please read the details below carefully. Letter on Equity & Inclusion Commencement Announcement Absentee Ballot Information Update Extended School Year Summer School Information Seeking Feedback: ThoughtExchange Mask Order Events this Week

Letter on Equity & Inclusion



Over the weekend, Board of Education President Jeanie Grimm and I sent the linked letter to the Daily Messenger and distributed it on our social media platforms and website. The letter outlines the work we have started to meet the goal from our strategic plan to, “Cultivate an Equitable and Inclusive School Environment.” While the district took steps to make changes in the 2019-2020 school year, we certainly have more learning and work to do. This goal will remain for the future as we seek to make our schools safe and inclusive learning environments for all students.



June 6, 2020 Letter on Equity & Inclusion



Commencement of 2020



Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced that “outdoor, socially-distanced graduations of up to 150 people will be allowed. This is subject to any outbreaks or significant changes.” As we previously announced, we had many plans for graduation. With the Governor’s ruling, having a socially distanced graduation at CMAC is not possible due to the crowd limitations. Plus, we want to make a memorable event for the Class of 2020. Many shared that small group, socially distanced commencement concepts in a traditional format (at CMAC, in an auditorium, etc.) would only conjure up sad thoughts when they think back on their time specific to commencement so we set out to devise a plan that would be fun and memorable in a positive way. As you will see, a tremendous amount of planning and work has and will continue to go into the events below and we are confident that collectively, it will be a closure to a UPK-12 school experience unlike any other.



The following events are scheduled for Saturday, June 27 with a rain date of Sunday, June 28



Specific logistics and detail will follow in the coming days. Here is the start of a FAQ document about commencement- FAQ Commencement 2020



Bristol Mountain Chair Lift Diploma Ceremonies - During the morning and early afternoon, graduates and up to three guests (parents/siblings) will ride the chairlift to the top of Bristol Mountain. At the top, graduates, wearing their cap and gown, will receive their diploma from Superintendent Jamie Farr and Canandaigua Academy Principal Vernon Tenney and a photo of each graduate will be taken at the scenic overlook of the mountains and a bit of Canandaigua Lake. If you prefer not to ride the chair lift, there is access to the top of the mountain by car. A sign up for times will be distributed. During this event, social distancing will be maintained.



Commencement Parade 6 p.m. - The same evening as the Bristol Mountain Ceremony, graduates will be asked to gather, in their vehicles, with their family, at the CMAC parking lot by 6 p.m. where there will be a Graduate Parade, led by City Police and Fire, from CMAC, along Lakeshore Drive, up Main Street and to the Academy where the parade and our senior’s time as a senior, will commence. This will replace the originally planned senior parade for June 10th.



Commencement Viewing Party - At a date to be announced (mid-July), there will be a viewing party where graduates along with family and friends can watch a video which we will create from photos of these events as well as the speeches and musical performances as well.



Senior Ball / Senior Sunset - Additionally, we still hope to host a Summer Senior Gala where we can bring all the seniors together at a fun outdoor venue to replace the Senior Ball and Senior Sunrise. Draft planning has begun for this concept. Essentially, we hope to host an event at Lincoln Hill Farms with music, food trucks, and outdoor games for our seniors. This is all dependent on what we are permitted and able to do.



Absentee Ballot Information



The deadline for the District to receive the absentee ballots for the budget vote, capital project proposition, transportation proposition, Board of Education election, and Wood Library proposition has been extended to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. Ballots can only be accepted by mail after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. If you have questions or did not receive an absentee ballot and are a registered voter, please contact Deb Sundlov, District Clerk- sundlovd@canandaiguaschools.org or (585) 396-3710.



Summer School (ESY)



Another change that has been made by the Governor is related to summer school for students with IEP’s, otherwise known as our ESY (Extended School Year) program. The Governor signed an executive order to allow in-person special education services over the summer. There is no detail or guidance on this and we will be on the lookout for it and ready to do whatever we can to do what is both safe and best for students.



Seeking Feedback: ThoughtExchange



We need your input on remote learning. To gather your feedback, we're using a tool called Thoughtexchange. All of our voices matter, so your participation is crucial and valued.



You'll be asked to respond to one open-ended question in each exchange linked below, consider and assign stars to some of the ideas shared by others (20 to 30 is ideal), and learn what's important to the group. You will also be asked a demographic question. The same demographic question is asked in each exchange.



Question: During the COVID-19 Closure, what worked well, what was challenging, and what ideas do you have if this were to happen again in the future?



Click here: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/220470007



Your thoughts and stars are confidential. You can come back as often as you'd like to participate and, in fact, we ask that you do come back to star some of the new ideas shared since you first participated. The ratings will help us understand the most important areas to focus on with remote learning. While we hope an extended closure like this is not in our future, it is important for us to reflect on the past eleven weeks and prepare for the next school year. Participation will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 12.



If you need technical help, please call Thoughtexchange at 1-800-361-9027 ext. 4 or email help@thoughtexchange.com or contact Caroline Chapman, Director of Communications or Advisement, chapmanc@canandaiguaschools.org



Thank you in advance for your feedback on this important topic.



Order a CA Mask



Order a CA mask! Orders are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 15- https://camask.itemorder.com.

Masks will be shipped to your home. Since these are a custom order, we need a minimum of 50 masks ordered and they will take 3-4 weeks for delivery. The price is $9.95.



Events this Week - Zoom links have been sent to families via BravesSquare or Email



Tuesday, June 9- 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Forum for incoming Kindergarten parents

Thursday, June 11- Staff Forum 3 p.m. Staff

Thursday, June 11- Community Forum 6 p.m.

Friday, June 12- 9:30 a.m. Virtual Flag Day for the Primary School

Friday, June 12- 7th grade Egg Drop Competition- 10 a.m. to 12 Noon- drop off designs at CMS

Monday, June 15- 7th Grade Undercoffler Award Ceremony- 9 am- Info in Schoology

Tuesday, June 16- 8th Grade Awards Ceremony- 9 a.m.- Info in Schoology

Tuesday, June 16- Live Stream of the 7th Grade Egg Drop





Last Days of the 2020-2021 School Year



Thursday, June 11 is the last day for new content across the District. Friday, June 12, Monday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 16 are makeup days. As this school year comes to an end, we all know it has been one we will never forget.



Thank you for all you are doing to make the very best of this challenging situation. Let’s finish strong and have a great week. Stay safe, be well, and Go Braves!



Sincerely,





Jamie Farr, Superintendent of Schools