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Schools get ready to re-open in Sullivan County



Monticello's hybrid schooling plan offers a mix of remote and in-person learning

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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.




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