Principal's Welcome Letter 20/21

August 2020

Dear Sheffield Families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!  While almost nothing about this upcoming school year will be predictable, I can assure you that I will consistently stay focused on building strong connections within the Sheffield community.  This year, more than ever, we will need to create and maintain strong home-school relationships.  We are dedicated to getting to know each child well and to provide them with the tools they need to become confident learners, compassionate classmates and active members of the community.  

As this school year unfolds, we will likely be met with new challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we all navigate this “new normal”, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions, concerns or suggestions.  You can reach me via email at melissa.pitrat@gmrsd.org or via telephone at 413-863-7420.  I want to hear from you!  Maintaining strong communication is critical during this pandemic and there are several ways that I will reach out to families throughout the coming weeks and the entire school year.  Please be on the lookout for emails from me and from the Superintendent regarding details about the Return to School Plans, updated schedules, or special events. (Keep in mind that all-school or all-district emails may land in your Spam or Clutter folders. ) You will also want to be in the habit of checking the district and school websites and Facebook pages.  Please see www.gmrsd.org and Sheffield website for website updates. You will find weekly newsletters from me posted each Thursday during the school year on our website and on Facebook.

Today you are receiving a welcome letter from your child’s classroom teacher.  Prior to the start of each school year, our teachers collaborate on building class lists, working together to consider a wide range of factors such as gender, friendships, developmental strengths and areas of need. As you can imagine, it’s a very thoughtful and complex process. This year, we hope to maintain the current class assignments, but things may need to change based on potential enrollment adjustments due to the pandemic.  Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we launch a new school year amid uncertain times.  

 Since we will begin our school year remotely, you will soon receive information about picking up a Chromebook for your child here at school.  

Teaching and learning will look different than in the spring!  The state has been very clear about accountability with; attendance, teaching standards, and providing report cards.  Your child will be expected to attend live online classes with staff and complete assigned work.

Please know that creating a safe and welcoming school environment is the top priority as we move into this school year.  A healthy school requires a strong commitment on the part of many different people -- school committee members, administrators, educators, students, families, and community members. I am grateful for the time and energy that so many have contributed to launching our school year and I look forward to our continued partnerships.

Sincerely yours,

Melissa Pitrat

Principal, Sheffield Elementary School