Good afternoon, 

I hope this letter finds our Galway families healthy! There is no denying that this change to our everyday lives is difficult for everyone.  I am so appreciative of the time, effort, and support you are providing your children and doing your part to slow the spread of this pandemic! At this time, we have deployed 1:1 devices to 98% of our students. If you did not receive a 1:1 device and would like one, please contact me for delivery. We have also provided MiFi devices to families who currently have cell coverage but do not have access to the internet.  We are working to secure additional MiFi devices, and if your family requires this additional support, please contact me as well. 

While education is our service to which our district is 100% committed, and Galway CSD is like our home, we realize that education is not a place and have shifted our education to the cloud. We have quickly learned to navigate remote learning sites, prioritize our curriculum, and set-up virtual classrooms. Everyone has had to learn this style of education, and we appreciate your continued understanding and flexibility.

At this point, our classroom teachers have transitioned from review lessons to introducing new topics. Your child should be in daily contact with their classroom teacher through Google Classroom, Class DoJo, Flip Grid etc... Teachers are using videos, virtual meetings, phone calls, and emails to connect with your child. If you are having any trouble connecting your child to their teacher, please email [email protected] as our technicians are available to assist you and your child. 

Classroom teachers use online platforms to introduce, practice, and assess topics. Children can show their understanding in a variety of ways. Teachers will holistically grade students' knowledge of the newly taught concepts.  We are required to account for student attendance, much like we do when students come to school. Participation in online learning lessons is essential! We will continue to monitor your child's success and, if permitted, hope to provide summer school for children who have difficulty understanding new topics. 

The education of our students is dependent on our entire community. While the idea of online instruction is not new to our instructional team, moving instruction entirely online is a journey that we will all navigate together. 

We continue to provide childcare opportunities to families of First Responders through our WSWHE BOCES and deliver weekly meals to our families. If you are a first responder and require assistance with childcare and/or a family in need of help with meals, please email me at [email protected].

I want to close by sharing how grateful I am to every one of you as we maneuver this challenging situation together.  Further, I want to reiterate that while education is our mission, the health and safety of our children and families of Galway is our priority. We care for one another and support one another.  We will continue to have challenges in front of us, and I know we can meet these challenges; together, all things are possible. 

Take Care,

Michelle McDougall

Elementary School Principal