I am reaching out to our PB community this evening with a special message.  The danger and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our “normal” life for more than 8 months now, causing all of us to experience unexpected emotional turmoil.  Though many may not realize it, that emotional turmoil can, and is, causing symptoms of trauma to manifest in both children and adults. On Sunday afternoon, I will be sending another message with more details about this issue and resources that are available to all of our students and staff.

In the meantime, I would like to encourage all of our school community to participate in our PB Cares Initiative that I hope will bring us all a little joy and relief.  Healthcare workers, first responders, and supermarket workers continue to work on the frontlines, keeping things going throughout this pandemic.  Many folks are spending the holidays in nursing homes and hospitals without their loved ones.  Let’s lift up their spirits this holiday season by writing a letter of thanks and support.  I emailed this idea to teachers for a class project this afternoon, but all families are also welcome to participate.  Letters can be forwarded to me by teachers or parents may drop them off at school buildings, district office or directly to the ShopRite on Route 211 that is sponsoring this project through Dec. 18.  Or you can thank a teacher directly for his/her hard work and dedication via email or a card or letter.

I also want to let you know that beginning on Monday, Dec. 14, you can go to our district website or Facebook page to view videos of various district employees reading holiday stories for our students.  We miss the children so much and want to share some of our favorite holiday stories with them.  Go to the district website,  pinebushschools.org and click “Holiday Stories” in the banner, or go to our Facebook page, Facebook.com/Pine-Bush-Central-Schools. Be sure to like and follow us too!

We invite all of our staff and families to get their cameras rolling too!  Video yourselves reading a holiday story and don’t forget the props and holiday backgrounds!  Send the video or its YouTube link to linda.smith@pinebushschools.org so everyone can join this new PB holiday tradition.  Let’s make something wonderful go viral!!!

I wish everyone a happy holiday season filled with good health and much joy.  We are PB STRONG!  Let’s show everyone what a wonderful place PB is to live and learn!

Donna Geidel, Acting Superintendent