January 19, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students:
This week the nation inaugurates Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Like many occasions since COVID-19 hit the nation and the world a year ago, the inauguration is incredibly different from presidential swearing-in ceremonies of years past. The pandemic means that safety measures (face masks, social distancing, etc.) were put in place to protect attendees from contracting or spreading the novel coronavirus. Then the storming of the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 resulted in unprecedented security measures around the Capitol and all of Washington, D.C.
Amid all of this change and uncertainty, we have to (must!) educate our children. As we experience a “learning pandemic,” we must fight this enemy with every bit of resolve needed to fight COVID-19. Our District has been amazing - staying calm, cooperating, supporting each other, coming up with innovative ways to teach and learn – educators, students and parents have shown resiliency and adaptability that has far exceeded my expectations. Keep it up, this way of learning and living will not last forever.
The new year is in its infancy and we have continued to experience challenges. However, the obstacles presented have not shut down education – we have prevailed through the first half of the school year. We will keep our students and community safe, and we will not falter in the second half of the school year. We will march on in harmony as we have done since September.
Be well.
Mark Laurrie, Superintendent
Niagara Falls City School District
Our own health care heroes... Sammy Sisler (aide) and Chanel Olszewski (nurse) are Niagara Falls High School graduates who are serving on the front lines, treating COVID-19 and other patients during this sad time. Thank you Sammy and Chanel and the many, many NFCSD graduates working in health care and in hospitals. We salute and thank you.