Good afternoon Pine Bush families and staff,

I’m calling with two quick, but very important messages.

First, I want families to know that if your child is slated for in-person instruction next week and relies on Birnie Bus service, all of the new bus information was sent to your child’s Pine Bush email account last night by each school principal.  I encourage you to check for that very important information that includes bus numbers, stop locations and times for both morning and afternoon.

Second, I want everyone to know that the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) issued new guidance last night for school operations.  Though I have read the entire 24-page document, I’m concerned about a fair number of new requirements.  I’ve been told that the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) will issue some clarifications to the state guidelines tomorrow.  So at this particular moment, I am unable to advise you how this new guidance will impact our planned shift to more in-person and synchronous instruction next week.  I was already planning to make another call tomorrow to give you all another overview of the changes.  Whether that is an afternoon or evening message will be determined by when the County’s guidance is issued.  In any event, Monday will be a largely asynchronous day, with elementary students required to log in at the beginning of the school day so teachers can take attendance and provide an overview of assignments.  I’m still hopeful that we can begin on Tuesday as planned with our new four-day schedule.

Please look for my message tomorrow.

Have a great rest of your Saturday!

Tim O. Mains, Pine Bush Superintendent