Community Corner

Bellmore-Merrick Schools Announce Plans for Monday

The North Bellmore, Bellmore and Merrick School Districts will remain closed for the sixth consecutive school day Monday, according to school officials. 

North Merrick Schools will be open, and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will make an official announcement at noon Sunday, according to Calhoun High School's Twitter feed.

"We have experienced an event like no other in our lifetime and our prayers go out to the many victims of Hurricane Sandy who suffered unthinkable loss and damage," North Merrick Superintendent David Feller said. "Overall, in our community, we need to count our blessings."

He added that North Merrick Schools will open a half hour later than usual, with doors opening at 8:45 a.m. and classes beginning at 9 a.m. The childcare program will operate on its normal schedule.

Feller also said that parent/teacher conferences have been canceled for Monday and Tuesday.

"Given the serious gas shortage, I would strongly recommend that parents car pool or walk to school," Feller said. "Of course, if you walk, please be certain to avoid any downed trees or power lines."

Dominick Palma, the Superintendent of Merrick Schools, sent out an email to parents that included the following message.

"Our bus company was severely impacted by the storm," Palma said. "It is likely that we will not have transportation on Tuesday. Parents should prepare to bring their students to school. "

Her also provided the following information for parents.

  • Students will return to school on Tuesday, Nov. 6. 
  • It is likely that we will not have transportation on Tuesday. 
  • Parents should prepare to bring their students to school. 
"All before and after-school activities, except the Bellmore-Merrick Child Care Program will be cancelled until further notice," North Bellmore Superintendent Arnold Goldstein said in an email to parents. "Bellmore-Merrick Child Care Program will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 6 when school is reopened."

He added that parents shouldn't expect transportation for "a few days" and parents must send bagged lunches with their children when school resumes on Tuesday. Any children who have refrigerated medications at school must send in new medication to the school nurse when school resumes. Goldstein also addressed the district's power issues.

"Power is still not restored to all of our buildings, but we are expecting it to be restored by Tuesday when students return," Goldstein said. "We are developing a contingency plan for relocating students and will share those plans with you, if necessary.  In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you and your children on Tuesday."

An email was sent to Bellmore School District parents as well regarding the state of Bellmore Schools, which are set to resume on Tuesday as well.

"If power is still not restored at the Shore Road School, students in grades 5 and 6 will not have school on Tuesday, Nov. 6," the email said. "We are developing a contingency plan for relocating students to others schools in our district and will share those plans with you, if necessary."

The district does not expect buses to be available, so parents should arrange to drop off and pick up their children for at least a few days.

Do you think schools should be closed or open on Monday? Tell us in the comments below. 

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