June 17, 2020
Dear Rocky Point School Community,
I am happy to report that our school budget and proposition were both passed in the recent budget vote. Thank you to the community for your continued support. In addition, congratulations to
Mr. Sean Callahan and Ms. Jessica Ward on their re-election as Board of Education members. We thank you for your continued dedication to the Rocky Point school community.
In a couple of days, we will bring a close to the end of the 2019 – 2020 school year – a year that will be remembered for many reasons. Although the year took a turn in March and we all experienced something very different than we had ever before, one thing was constant, the idea that Rocky Point Schools are the cornerstone of our community. Our schools not only helped to educate our students but served as a way to foster a sense of family throughout this difficult time.
I am proud of the many ways in which our students, staff, and families came together to support each other over the past several months and throughout the entire school year. There have been numerous examples of charitable efforts for those on the frontline to stories of resiliency when school transitioned out of classrooms and to digital learning. Even while learning from home, our students continue to be recognized for their charitable efforts, talent, and accomplishments. This is what makes Rocky Point an outstanding school district and where Rocky Point pride is at the core.
We look forward to celebrating our seniors and their accomplishments at our multiple graduation ceremonies that will take place outside on our turf field on Friday, June 26th. Our graduating seniors have faced these unprecedented times head-on and have left an indelible impression on our district and community. The traditional end of year activities that were missed provided new traditions and opportunities to celebrate your senior year. We look forward to watching you cross the stage and celebrate your graduation with members of your graduating class and family. Congratulations to the senior class of 2020!
June also is a time to recognize additional accomplishments from our eighth graders moving up to High School, our fifth graders transitioning to Middle School, and our second graders moving on to JAE. We are so very proud of each and know that you will continue to thrive and achieve in the coming year.
As per the updated order from Governor Cuomo, I am happy to announce that the North Shore Youth Council ‘Summer Buddies’ Program will be taking place. Additional information will be forthcoming from the coordinators of this program.
Effective, June 17th, portions of our district facilities have begun to reopen. District tennis courts, playgrounds, and the track will be open from 6:30 AM through dusk. Additionally, please note that
social distancing guidelines must be adhered to and families are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
Finally, as we prepare to end this school year, we are focused on planning for the upcoming school year. To help guide this work, the district has created a task force comprised of staff, teachers, administrators, and parents, who will be working diligently in the coming days and weeks to review guidelines and the ever-changing requirements. This task force will assist in the planning for the reopening of school in the fall, so that careful consideration can be given to what plans we will need to have in place in order to do so successfully, and most importantly, safely. The district will share additional information with you as it becomes available.
I wish all of you a very happy and healthy summer vacation filled with great memories for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you again, in the fall.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott O’Brien
Superintendent of Schools