(email sent 3/15/2020)

I hope you are all finding ways to spend some quality time together in the midst of this unnerving situation.  Just as we, as adults, have many mixed emotions, we need to remain mindful that our children do as well; the anxiety surrounding all of us at the current time is something that we need to acknowledge and help manage for our children.  Please know that your children's teachers, the clergy, and myself are all here to provide any support that you or your children might need.  It is a trying time, but the ultimate goal is to stay safe and healthy, and we will all get through it together.

In light of the state and county recommendations that are being made, we will be closing Gan Shalom for the next two weeks.  We do plan to reopen on Monday, March 30th, but we will let you know if any changing recommendations alter that expectation.  Planning ahead, we have reworked the school calendar, as we expect districts will be doing as well, to craft a new structure for the completion of our school year.

For planning purposes, please note the following expected adjustments to the Gan Shalom calendar:

March 13th and 16th will be considered "snow days."

For the other 3 days that we will be closed this coming week (Thursday is/was a professional development day), we will now be: 
Open Friday, April 10th (to replace 3/17)
Open Monday, April 13th (to replace 3/18) 
Open Tuesday, April 14th (to replace 3/20) 

For the 4 days we will be closed the following week (Wednesday was parent/teacher conferences, which will be rescheduled for April and will be held remotely), we will now be: 
Open Thursday, April 16th (to replace 3/23) 
Open Friday, April 17th (to replace 3/24)
Open Friday, May 22nd (to replace 3/26) 

In addition, one new last day will be added to replace 3/27.  Our new last day for 2's and 3's classes will be held on Monday, June 15th, and our new last day for 4's classes will be held on Friday, June 26th. 

I will endeavor to make these adjustments on the Remini calendar, and also to have a new visual calendar created this week, for those of us to desire those references.  We know that, for many, the school closures are creating work schedule challenges, so we wanted to inform of alternate dates without any delay.  

Please know that I will be working this week, as will our clergy, whether remotely or onsite, and we are all available for any questions, concerns, or just if you would like to touch base.
Rhya (ganshalom@rsns.org, 516-680-6928)
Rabbi ​​​​​​​Jodie (rabbijodie@rsns.org, 516-314-7101)

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon,
Rhya