One of the Highland Elementary School Kindergarten co-teaching teams- teachers Jessica Compain, Tracey Hajba and their TA Peg Creamer went around the area to go “visit” their students.
Since school has been closed for two weeks and will be closed another two more at least, the teachers decided they just couldn’t wait any longer to go visit them! The problem- how do they visit all of the kids while observing social distancing? The solution? A caravan! The three of them drove in their own cars, stopped outside of the homes for each of their students.
Mrs. Jessica Compain said “It was a wonderful experience. We had students holding signs, made pictures and hung decorations on their doors. You could see the joy on each and every students face! It made our hearts happy just to see them and show them we are okay too! We had parents take our picture. It was amazing and such a great feeling! We did this because I have had students writing letters to me, I have been checking in with them and we didn’t really get to say bye or I’ll see you soon! We wanted them to know we are okay; we still care about you and we are here if you need anything at all”.
Mrs.Tracey Hajba followed that up by agreeing with and echoing much of what her co-teacher said “We miss our students so much. We needed to see them just as much as they needed to see us. The excited and surprised looks on their faces that we drove to their homes meant everything!”
The teachers are hard at work ensuring the students have lessons and activities to work on from home, but it is just as important for them to know their teachers really have their best interests at heart whether it be academic or emotional! Kindergarten parent, Stephanie Lucas, mom to Maddox said “Our teachers really went above and beyond, it was like a breath of fresh air after so much anxiety and fear I’ve felt lately”.

Highland Teachers Association Supports Healthcare workers
On behalf of the Highland Teachers Association union members, the Vice-President of the Highland Teachers’ Association, Kevin Rizzo, organized lunch for their fellow union members working at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on the frontline of the national health crisis.
The nurses sent this lovely response, to the HTA: “The nurses on Mother Baby Unit were treated to lunch Friday, March 27. The Highland Teachers’ Association generously sent 30 boxed lunches from Cosimo’s. This act of kindness is so appreciated and will not be forgotten. Thank you to our fellow union brothers and sisters!”

Lloyd Police Service Recognition
Chief James S. Janso recently retired after 30 years of full time service as a member of the Town of Lloyd Police Department. Congratulations Chief Janso on 30 years of police service!

Clynk Challenge comes to an end
Are you looking for some great news? Although the end of CLYNK challenge was anticlimactic this year, the district CLYNK collection to support HES was $2,550, plus the Hannaford bump of an additional $1,275, which brings us to $3,525. And, it looks like we locked in 2nd place again for an additional $1,000, bringing us to a grand total of $4,525!
Thank you to the community - you knocked it out of the park Highland. CLYNK’in it OOO!

Park closing
Due to the large amount of gatherings occurring, as of Friday, March 27, the following local parks will be closed to the public: Berean Park, Tony Williams Field (basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball field) .
The Rail Trails and the Walkway Over the Hudson remains open so people can get their walks and fresh air in. However, it is imperative that people utilizing the paths remember to maintain social distancing from others and maintain good hygiene outdoors.

As always, any and all news is welcome, as are photos. Do you have a special accomplishment, birthday, anniversary or great news you can’t wait to share about yourself, family or business/organization?
You can reach me at  mrskendraelliot@gmail.com  or give me a call at (845) 706-9582.