Hot Topics     Home and Family     K-12     Education Guide    

Orange County prepares for school re-opening



Hybrid models prevail, mixing in-person and remote learning

schools, opening, kids, students, families, in person, online learning, Orange County

As local schools plan for re-opening, considerations include the size of the student population and the size of the school buildings, with each district calculating how to maintain social distancing during in-person schooling.

Most districts have come up with a hybrid model, but the parameters vary widely. Usually the emphasis is on in-person learning for elementary-level students, kids with special needs, and those receiving English language instruction. Older students are scheduled for remote learning, either full-time or an a part-time schedule, with onsite schooling one to four days a week, depending on the district's resources.

"As the father of three school-aged children, please know that I fully understand that anything but full in-person instruction for our students presents challenges for our families," Cornwall Superintendent of Schools Terry Dade wrote in a letter to parents. "Our focus will continue to be on the safety, well-being, and academic progress for our students."

Some schools have a transition period built into the plans. At Monroe-Woodbury, the first two weeks will be held completely online. For the next two weeks, students will get one day of in-person teaching, followed by a schedule of two days a week in person. 

Similarly, the biggest district in the county, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, with 12,000 students, will begin with a month of remote learning. Students will gradually be brought into the buildings in three phases, on a timeline yet to be determined.

In contrast, administrators of the Greenwood Lake school district, which has only 475 students, are confident they can conduct all their instruction in person while maintaining proper social distancing and other safety protocols.

However, if spikes in COVID-19 infection occur within the schools, all students will most likely return to exclusively remote learning.

Check your individual school district's website for details on returning to school.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 7 ways to creatively display favorite photos

    Showcase those pics of your adorable family

    Family photos, vacation pictures, candid snapshots of friends and family – they’re often visual representations of some of your most treasured moments, so it’s likely you’ll want to give them some special treatment. read more »
  • 3 energy-saving home improvement ideas

    Make an impact on your energy bills

    Making improvements around the house to curb energy usage is not only good for the environment, it can make a big impact on your utility bills, too. read more »
  • How to improve your home's look with wallpaper

    Add instant flair to your room

    To understand the mood of a room, look no further than its walls. Wallpaper can add instant texture and flair, and today’s DIY-friendly options make it easy to create inspired spaces with little fuss. read more »
  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »