Greenwood Lake Schools Kick Off 2021

By Janmarie Foschini

The Greenwood Lake Board of Education held their monthly meeting via Zoom on Mon., Jan. 11 with School Board President Susan Selser saying that she looks forward to kicking off the 2021 new year.  

  Selser then introduced Greenwood Lake Middle School Principal Jeffrey Golubchick who gave an update on the happenings at the school.  Golubchick informed the Board that members of the National Junior Honor Society are holding a food drive ongoing through Fri., Jan. 22 to benefit the Greenwood Lake Food Pantry.  

Also, at the Middle School, Student Council elections will begin moving forward. Students will have their speeches streamed during the advisory period, and students will vote via computer as they have done in the past. Current eighth grade students will begin ordering their cap and gowns and prepare for their upcoming graduation picture.

    Superintendent Sarah Hadden relayed the Elementary School updates on behalf of Principal Dianne Connolly. Hadden said that virtual class trips are currently in the works since students cannot participate in the traditional class trips. 

  Director of Curriculum and Instruction Lina Polchinski provided an update on the current virtual clubs. Students have been participating in clubs online such as Lego, Book Club, Middle School Magazine, Student Government, Spanish and Art and the clubs have been well attended and a success. Superintendent Hadden proposed to the Board to add additional clubs, and members of the Board agreed that three or four more clubs will be added in the near future.  

COVID-19 Update

  Superintendent Hadden provided her monthly COVID-19 update.  To date, 22 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the District – seven elementary students, four middle school students, three middle school staff, two middle school teachers, three elementary school staff, one elementary school teacher, and two members of transportation.  A survey was sent to all staff members regarding the current vaccine – 55.1% of staff would like to sign up, 27.1% unsure, 13.6% no, and the remainder either had the vaccine or other/none of the above choices.  

PTSA Update

   The PTSA held a virtual gingerbread house contest; voting was held online. Elementary school student Jianna Sorrentino and middle school student Erin Persico each won a $25 Visa gift card for their amazing gingerbread houses. A cupcake wars contest is currently being planned for Valentine’s Day with more information to follow.  PTSA President Rebecca Frey reminded families that membership is still open and anyone with fundraising ideas are welcome to share them.  

Next Meeting 

  The next School Board will be held on Mon., Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. via zoom.