By Martin D. Cox, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Elementary classrooms in the Clarkstown Central School District are prepared for the return of more students on April 7.

I want to express my thanks to several people for making this happen.

The tri-fold polycarbonate desk barriers and additional desks were ordered by John LaNave (Assistant Superintendent for Business) and Anthony Valenti (Director of Facilities). Upon the arrival of the desks and barriers, the District Buildings and Grounds members, in partnership with building custodians, were coordinated by Mr. Valenti to unpack, set up, and install the barriers as well as additional desks in classrooms at our nine elementary schools.

As a result of those collaborative efforts on the part of several people, classrooms today include desk barriers, where necessary, based on student enrollment.

Tomorrow, more students will arrive in all of our nine elementary schools, and in several classrooms, social distancing will be inside 6-feet with the barriers mounted on top of the desks.

This work by the aforementioned invdividuals is respected, valued, and appreciated. I am thankful for their efforts, and I look forward to seeing more students in our elementary schools tomorrow.

I wish our students, teachers, staff, bus drivers, and administrators good health and safety as we continue to navigate teaching and learning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

North High School will play football on their new turf field tonight.

Last August, the new turf was installed as part of a Capital Reserve Project, but the field sat empty when the calendar turned to September in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, North High School football coach Joe Trongone and his team members played a waiting game instead.

Still in the midst of the pandemic, and with health and safety protocols in place, the team will host Mahopac High School tonight at 7 under the lights.

The North cheerleading and dance teams will be participating as well. Spectators are allowed at two individuals for every student-athlete on both teams. Fans in attendance will need to adhere to health and safety protocols that include mask wearing and social distancing.

Best wishes to all participants tonight for a rewarding, safe, and healthy experience!