Dear Neighbor:
I hope that your family is enjoying a happy and healthy start to the 2022-23 school year!
As we embark upon a new season of learning, life lessons and growth throughout our community, I wanted to take a few moments to share with you some ways that we can all do our part to help our children thrive and prosper. Many of these suggestions can be achieved by embracing an attitude of respect and understanding for others.
While masks are not required in schools at this time, several of your classmates may be wearing them. They could be doing this to protect a medically vulnerable loved one from exposure to COVID-19. They could have a condition themselves that makes them especially vulnerable to a severe COVID illness. Or, they could be doing it for the same reason that I do - I’m just more comfortable wearing a mask when I’m around large groups of people. Whatever the reason, respecting each other’s choices will help make everyone feel more comfortable, and that makes it easier for everybody to have a great day at school.
Following the rules of the road will also help ensure that everybody arrives at school safely. It is illegal to pass a school bus when its lights are flashing and when the stop sign is out. The steep fines associated with this moving violation reflect the tremendous danger “passing the flash” causes for the children who are boarding and exiting the bus.
Finally, if you have not talked to your children about “stranger danger” recently, the start of the school year is an excellent time to do so. We have already heard disturbing reports of suspicious behavior targeting our youth in several communities across Long Island and it is important for everybody to be alert, aware, and looking out for each other.
And as always, my office team is here to be a resource for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 516-571-6201 or kabrahams@nassaucountyny.gov with your questions, concerns, and suggestions about how we can make this school year a tremendous success for every family.
Sincerely,
Kevan M. Abrahams
Nassau County Legislator, First Legislative District
Freeport, N.Y.