Extension of Closing

Dear Port Jervis Learning Community,

As a result of the Board Of Regents Meetings that took place on April 6 and 7, several decisions from the State Education Department were disseminated. The most significant decision was the cancelling of the June 2020 Administration of Regents Examinations. More details are included below, as well as through the links at the bottom of this communication. Additionally, Governor Cuomo has issued an Executive Order extending the closing of schools to April 29, 2020. Our teachers remain prepared to continue instruction and learning throughout the closing. Regents Exams It was announced by Chancellor Rosa that the June Regents Examinations are cancelled. We will implement our plan to replace these Regents Examinations with other opportunities for the students, ensuring that this decision will offer a benefit to them and not have a negative impact. Our school counselors and teachers will provide more information on this topic, but in summary, here a few likely scenarios:

● If a student is in a course that ends in a Regents Exam and passes the course, the student is exempt from taking the Regents Exam.

● If a student is in a course that ends in a Regents Exam and does not pass the course, the student will need to retake and pass the course in Summer School 2020 to be exempt from the Regents Exam.

● The most emergent scenario: A student that is scheduled to graduate in June 2020 but needs to pass a Regents Exam that they previously did not pass, but passed the course, would be exempt from the Regents Exam in June.

Other Important Details:

Google Classroom / Instruction Each of our teachers has established a Google Classroom as the hub for the continuation of instruction and learning. If your child has not received a code from each of their teachers, please contact the teacher(s) and/or building administration and they will be able to assist you. Virtual Office Hours Each of our teachers has established Office Hours to have scheduled times for communicating with students, parents, and colleagues. The hours will be posted within each Google Classroom. Connectivity / Access If your child is having any issues with connecting to Google Classroom or needs any assistance in the realm of Instructional Technology, please utilize the Help Desk service by contacting them at: 845-858-3131. Grading / Report Cards To maintain consistency and normalcy, we will continue to follow our traditional model of grading at all levels. Specifically the middle and high schools will utilize percentage grades, 0-100, for all marking periods. This will allow our students increased opportunities to excel, bring up grades, attain Honor Roll distinction, etc. Our teachers recognize that this shift in instruction and learning will have an impact on assessing student progress Port Jervis CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Pursuing excellence at every level, every day. Mike Rydell Superintendent of Schools Port Jervis, New York 12771 District Office Tel 845-858-3100 and will utilize flexibility and understanding in how the final grades are determined. The highest level of confidence is placed in our teachers to continue outstanding learning opportunities while also providing opportunities for our students to excel. If there is anything we can do to support our students or their families in this transition, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal or District Office.

Sincerely,

Mike Rydell