June 2020 Dear East Meadow Staff: As the school year wraps up, I just wanted to let each of you know how much I appreciate all that you have done for the children and families of the East Meadow School Community. This year was like no other in my 24-years as an educator and administrator. We started the school year focused on building upon our accomplishments from the previous year. None of us could have imagined that by March 2020, we would all be directed by an Executive Order from the New York State Governor to at stay home because of a pandemic! In a matter of days, as a school community, we had to figure out the intricacies of distance learning, while at the same time addressing our individual and family needs in the midst of a pandemic. I applaud each of you for making a difficult time bearable for our students and their families, as well as each other. We worked together to address our students learning needs and provide support to parents for whom homeschooling was a first. Families at risk due to food insecurity were cared for by our school community, ensuring that no child and their family would suffer from the loss of wages as a result of a full economic shut down. Our district ensured that first responders, health care and other essential workers had a safe location where child care was provided so that they could continue in service to our community. I know many of you have questions about our return in the fall. It is my greatest hope that the summer months will bring good news as New York continues to rebound from this pandemic. The East Meadow staff is planning for students and staff return in September, as well as planning for the use of remote learning should the need arise again. We will continue to monitor the status of the State and wait for additional guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Governor. As always, you will be provided information and updates as soon as we receive any new information. As I reflect upon the last three months, I am once again humbled and grateful for each of you. Together we worked as a community to keep everyone safe and finish the 2019/2020 school year in the typical East Meadow fashion, always remembering that Great Happens Here! I am sure that the entire school community appreciates your efforts as well during the COVID-19 era. This school year will be remembered for generations to come. I remain encouraged by your flexibility and thank you for your service and commitment to our school community. We are All in this Together! I wish you and your family a healthy, safe and well-deserved summer. Take good care! Regards, Dr. Kenneth A. Card, Jr