Superintendent's Message

Dear Grand Island Families:

On March 15, 2020, school districts in Erie County closed due to 3 cases of COVID-19 being identified in the region. Since then, it is hard to believe we have been dealing with the pandemic for the past 10 months. During that time, we have experienced major changes within our lives that we hope will never become permanent. Mass gatherings such as weddings, graduations, birthdays, religious celebrations, wakes, funerals, sporting events, theatrical performances, concerts and vacation travel have been altered in a way to reduce the spread of a virus that has killed over a quarter of a million people in the United States. It is likely that all of us experienced the imposition of lockdown as a shock to the system, whether it made us feel uncomfortable, isolated, lethargic, anxious or scared. As individuals, we’ve all had to make significant changes to our everyday lives in order to cope with this significant public health crisis.

While being extremely disruptive and painful, a crisis such as a pandemic also consistently nurtures the development of a great common purpose. We often find solidarity, encouragement, and creativeness cultivated in such a manner that our society has the potential for becoming inspired.

Here in our school system, we have seen that our ability to be adaptable has allowed us to respond quickly to changing concepts, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies and other practices that relate to the teaching and learning of students in-person or virtually, with a sincere willingness to do what is best. Although we are always looking for ways to improve, I have been incredibly inspired by our District’s administrative and supervisory team, our teachers, staff, students and Board of Education who have modeled these traits of adaptability. I have witnessed our entire organization become more collaborative, flexible, and open to doing things differently all for the betterment of our students.

During this challenging time, please contact your child’s teacher, a school counselor or social worker, one of our psychologists or an administrator if there is anything you feel we can do to assist you or your child. Looking ahead to a brand-new year, I am sure you will join me in saying goodbye to 2020. As we prepare for 2021, I am hopeful that a vaccine will be ready for massive distribution and we will be a safer and healthier society as a result. Additionally, I would like to wish all of you a safe year filled with great health, love, laughter and the creation of wonderful memories.

Sincerely,
Brian Graham, Ed.D.