From the Superintendent's Desk
Dear School Community Members,
This past week, the Royalton-Hartland Central School District had the opportunity to listen to the comments and concerns of several community members regarding the reopening of our schools to in-person learning. The need to improve communication is clear.
On Tuesday, March 16, the Administration and Board of Education will be hosting a “Town Hall” at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. Our plan is to provide clarification on how the District is responding to the needs of our students, staff and community.
A School Reopening Family Information Survey is posted on our website that will help our decision making in the event we are permitted to return to in-person learning with less than six foot distancing. I encourage all families to complete the survey for each of your children at your earliest convenience.
As you are aware, over the past year our District has worked to provide a safe learning environment for our children, staff and school community. We have worked diligently to interpret and adhere to numerous Executive Orders from the Governor’s Office. More often than not, these Executive Orders required the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Department of Health to provide guidance and regulation. For the past year, I have met weekly with our regional Superintendents, BOCES District Superintendent and the Niagara County Department of Health to help interpret these orders and regulations. We have done our best in Roy-Hart to coordinate a regional approach where possible.
The Board of Education and I continue to advocate for a return to in-person learning. The New York State Council of School Superintendents, New York State School Boards Association, Erie Niagara School Superintendents Association, Niagara/Orleans School Boards Association and the Royalton-Hartland School Board of Education have sent letters and communicated with the Governor’s Office to provide leadership in allowing our students to return to a full in-person model. We have copied our State and local elected officials, New York State Department of Health and Education Commissioners, and County Department of Health Commissioners.
It is my commitment to the students and families of the Royalton-Hartland Central School District to return to a full in-person model as soon as it is deemed safe and is practicable. I ask that you continue to express both your concerns and where you think things are working well. More importantly, I ask that you please share with your building Principals any and all needs that your children may have.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Stopinski
Superintendent of Schools
