Alas, there’s no way to get a paper version of this week’s newsletter to you. But I’ve posted it here (click on the image for a larger version) and have posted the content, below. In the next post, you’ll see the “end of the newsletter” this week: messages from our staff to you!
Well, That Escalated Quickly
As you know, there’s no school right now because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this newsletter, I’m going to share some of the resources I’ve been gathering. If you need assistance and don’t know where to go, please send an e-mail to me, ezilinski@gstcontractors.com, or to covid19@elmiracityschools.com so we can connect you to resources you can use. If you are worried about your health, Arnot has established a Covid-19 Hotline you can call from 9am – 7pm at 1-800-952-2662.
We Miss You
First thing’s first: we miss you! We miss seeing all of our kids at school and think about you each day. Please see our messages at the end of this newsletter. Please share your photos on the District Facebook page!
Food & Finances
The District is providing free breakfast and lunch for our scholars and their siblings under the age of 18 every weekday from 9:30am – 11:00am. You do not need to bring your children to pick up food. A list of cross-county food locations is located at https://tinyurl.com/CovidFoodPantries.
Some local banks are offering loan payment assistance. Contact your lender for more information if you are unable to pay your loans or mortgage. If you are having trouble paying rent or utilities, Catholic Charities may be able to help. Visit cs-cc.org for more information or call them at 734-9784.
If you are looking for work, grocery stores like Wegmans-Elmira and pharmacies like CVS are looking to hire more people to meet the demands created by the quarantine. Some are also offering higher pay than usual considering the circumstances of the hire. Call the store to inquire about open positions. Food pantries are also looking for volunteers and new hires.
Books & Donations
Family Reading Partnership is offering free books to families visiting the District food pantries. Locations vary. You can also visit their website for several other ways to get your home library stocked for free. http://www.familyreading.org/our-programs/
Catholic Charities and other charitable organizations are offering and seeking donations of bottled water; cleaning and laundry supplies; diapers, wipes, and baby food and formula; food; paper products like toilet paper, paper towels, etc.; personal care items; pet supplies; forehead thermometers. Consider ordering from Catholic Charities’ wish list: https://tinyurl.com/CathChar2020. Please call first. 734-4898
Local hospitals are seeking donations of cloth masks. Directions for how you can sew one and donate one are at https://tinyurl.com/ArnotFacemasks.
Childcare
Chemung County Childcare Council, Inc. will help you find childcare. Visit chemchildcare.com for more information or call 734-3941. At the time of this writing, Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. has all day childcare available from 8am – 6pm—call 734-6174 for details.
Education & Virtual Assistance
You can find a wealth of education resources on the District website. ElmiraCitySchools.com. The EOP has established virtual Literary Volunteer, Energy, and Family Support Services and can be reached at 734-6174.
Connect to other Diven Parents
The Diven School Organization is a nonprofit organization run by Diven families and staff. They maintain a Facebook page and group. You can post questions and suggestions right to the group! ? Visit the page at https://www.facebook.com/DivenSchoolOrganization/ and join the group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/DivenSchoolOrganization.