Keeping kids safe during the pandemic has to be balanced
with their social-emotional needs, academic goals, and the stress parents are
under as they juggle work with looking after children who have to stay home for
remote learning. School districts are coming up with
plans that allow some in-person schooling while keeping kids socially
distanced.
At Monticello Central School District, parents
may enroll their students in a hybrid model—two days of in-person school and three
days of remote learning each week—or an all-remote learning model of five days
a week. Students with particular needs will be identified and invited to attend
in-person instruction four days per week, with remote instruction on
Wednesdays.
Students participating in the hybrid model will be divided
into two sections, one attending in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, the other
on Thursdays and Fridays. The school district website states, “To prevent a
system overload, our schools will have a staggered phase-in of grades over
several weeks. This is to ensure that all social distancing and other health
measures can be appropriately maintained.”
During the staggered phase-in, the first group section will
begin in-person instruction on September 14, when remote learning will start
for all students.
A school staff member will connect with students each day
during remote learning, and attendance will be taken daily, even in remote
learning. The district will use two online platforms for sharing information and
for keeping in touch. Grades K–2 will use Seesaw, while
grades 3–12 will use Microsoft Teams. Monticello teachers have been trained to
conduct remote learning using strategies described in blendedlearning.org.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Evans introduces the
plan on the district website with a statement pointing out that the plan was
developed with the help of staff and community volunteers, following the New
York State guidelines.
A different approach to the hybrid model is planned by the
Eldred school district, which will also separate students into two groups. They
will attend school on alternating weeks, with half going one week and half the
next.
"By having half as many students in our buildings at
any one time, we are able to socially distance them," Eldred schools
Superintendent John Morgano explained to parents.
Check your individual school district's website for details
on returning to school.