August 13, 2020

Dear Elementary Families,

I want to thank every family for being so quick to respond to the “Parent Decisions Survey.” As a school community we know that making decisions about your child’s health and education are the most important decisions we make, and we appreciate the care, questions, and comments that have been shared throughout this (ongoing) process.

At this time GCSD has collected over 960 responses from parents. 

  • 80.2% of our parents have requested in-person/hybrid instruction for their child

  • 18.7% of our parents have requested remote instruction for their child

  • 53.1% of our parents have requested to have bus transportation for their child

  • 46.9% of our parents have indicated that they will arrange transportation

We know that these requests are made for a wide variety of reasons, and we look forward to working with each student and family in 2020-2021!

It is important for our school to have accurate planning data because this information will drive classroom assignments and teacher responsibilities. “Saving a space” for their child without fully committing to this decision for the September - November 13 period would be highly problematic for elementary children and families. 

Following Friday, August 14, we will not be able to honor families requests to switch between the two models because the request would lead to reassigning many students to a new teacher, and possibly new building wide-schedules, which would be very unsettling for children.

We appreciate our partnership with parents, everyone’s understanding, and reflecting on this difficult set of needs. Any family that wishes to clarify their child’s instructional plans for 20-21 should contact the elementary office, and feel welcome to share their decisions by Friday, August 14, as we are eager to finalize student assissignments and the assignment of  teachers.  Please contact the elementary office at 518.966.5070 ext. 301 with any questions or needs.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Peter Mahan

Elementary Principal