Red Raider Community:

As a school community we continue to feel the negative impact of this virus. As we anticipated challenges coming off of the holiday recess we made the decision to to go full remote grades K-12. We also felt it was important to provide an in person option so families of our MES students could make the best decision possible for their personal situation. We know that our youngest learners need much more support learning than older siblings and Jr/Sr HS students.

As we continue to learn of new positive cases among staff members we constantly evaluate our staffing patterns to ensure safe and appropriate coverage. To this point we maintain the ability to appropriately supervise and support the roughly 250 in person MES students spread out between the 2 buildings. 

We did finally get some good news late yesterday, with the arrival of nearly 300 chrome books. We will be utilizing these devices in the classrooms and throughout the school building. This provides us with additional opportunities for staffing patterns as we continue with our current instructional option. With the devices, we have the ability to educate our students in larger spaced out areas to be more socially distanced. Families with virtual learners that are in dire need of a device, please reach out to Jo Pisculli in the main office of the elementary school on Monday, January 25th. 518-664-7336

Lastly, I just learned that Principal Turcio has tested positive for COVID-19. Ironically, our administrative team has not been together in person since a socially distanced retreat day on 12/30. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers, and I wish him a speedy recovery. He continues to connect with his team, providing support from home.

Joe Manzer and our building and grounds teams are conducting additional disinfectant routines daily to mitigate the spread. We are going above and beyond the recommendations, even if it is just for peace of mind.

I will continue to be open and transparent with our plans, and our status as we continue to move forward. Thankfully, we are not seeing any transmission of virus from and between the students! Please remain vigilant and please stay safe!! As always we will get through this together, as #OneMechanicville.

My best,

Bruce