Good evening Pine Bush families and staff,  

I’ve been out for about a week due to a family medical emergency. Upon my return, I discovered that we had encountered some new challenges that will force us to make some additional changes in our Return to Learn Plan. 

While I was out, the teams working on our plans determined that grades 7 and 8, like 9-12 would have to begin all virtual.  Although that was announced at one of the Town Hall forums for parents, no one made a call like this one to ensure that everyone got that message. 

While we had originally hoped to begin the hybrid model of instruction for grades pre-K through 6 right off the bat on Sept. 8, we now believe we will need the entire month of September to resolve a variety of logistical matters to ensure that can begin smoothly.

So tonight, I wanted to share the news that Pine Bush will be all virtual for all students when school begins on Tuesday, Sept. 8.  We expect to bring in our special class and pre-K students two weeks later beginning on Monday, Sept. 21.  We expect to bring in those students K-6 who chose the hybrid model beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 6. 

We are still working on what the hybrid can look like for students in grades 7-12, but we’re still a ways off from determining precisely what that can and will look like. This has been particularly challenging due to the complexity of the schedules for those grades. Though it is still possible, we could begin some hybrid instruction in grades 7-12 by Oct. 6 as well. I will let you know the specific start date for 7-12 hybrid once those details have been finalized.

I recognize that the decision to start all virtual will put an additional burden on many Pine Bush families, especially those where both parents work. So today I reached out to our before- and after-school care providers – the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club – who are both willing to work with us to design a daytime childcare service at least for the month of September.  If we are able to work out details for such service, that could provide some relief as you continue to look for longer term solutions. I will get back to you sometime next week and let you know what we were able to offer and how our community organization partners will structure that.

I also want to be sure that our kindergarten and pre-k parents know that the open houses scheduled for next Thursday, Aug. 27, have all been moved to Tuesday, Sept. 8.  You’ll be getting more info from the principals in your school about those open house events.

Have a great day.

Tim O. Mains, Pine Bush Superintendent