MUFSD Uses Space Audit to Conduct Table-Top Planning Exercises for School Reopening
Hybrid Learning Models Prioritized
District Architects Conduct Audit Prior to State Guidelines In advance of receiving NY State guidance (the Governor emphasizes that no decision has been made yet on whether schools will reopen for in-person learning in the fall), Mamaroneck School District commissioned its architects -- LAN Associates -- to conduct a room-by-room audit of classrooms across the District based on current social distancing (six-feet apart) guidelines to determine the maximum student capacity in which schools could safely operate. After reviewing and analyzing the audit, including potential space configurations and what is possible within safety constraints, school leadership has begun focusing its initial planning on the scenario that MUFSD will be able to safely welcome approximately one-third (or 33%) of its students each day.
The audit also looked at potential traffic patterns within each school, controlled exits and entrances, and the physical set-up and arrangement of learning spaces to accommodate small group instruction.
Prioritizing Safety, District Leaders Begin Planning for Hybrid Learning Model With the goal of prioritizing health and safety of students and staff while enabling children to return to in-person learning as soon as possible, principals and assistant principals of all six Mamaroneck Schools plus other district-wide staff, focused this week on developing potential models at all levels around the hybrid learning approach that combines in-person learning with remote learning. Under the assumption of operating at 33% capacity, students would be in school for approximately one-third of the time with continued remote learning at home guided by teachers two-thirds of the time. Not only is a hybrid model the most likely scenario based on current information, but Superintendent Dr. Shaps and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Annie Ward say that because it presents the most complex challenges, pivoting from a hybrid model to either a more open campus or extended remote learning would be less challenging should either scenario become necessary.
This week's planning builds on the recently completed Stanford University's K-12 design lab partnership work, which helped guide the thinking of our team of 75 community members, teachers and administrators in designing preliminary plans around three different scenarios: open campuses, hybrid and extended remote. A range of factors and questions in these same categories are now being carefully considered specific to the hybrid model.
Next Steps: Further Refine Models and Await New Information Throughout July, administrators will work to further construct and refine various options around the hybrid prototypes and meet with stakeholders (parents, teachers and students) to seek feedback. In addition to the anticipated arrival in mid-July of NY State guidelines, the District also expects to receive a more clear understanding of the level of State Aid it will receive. Although the community passed the 2020-2021 MUFSD budet overwhelmingly, as indicated previously, budget reductions may be necessary to adjust for revenue loss going forward.
Staying True to Core Values and Priorities In reviewing feedback from our parent survey around remote learning this spring -- which will be summarized and presented to the community at the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday, July 7 -- the administrative team reaffirmed the District's Core Values and Priorities. Hybrid learning model components are being designed so they will be aligned with these principles around safety, equity, human interaction, student assessment, engagement, flexibility/adaptability and communications.
Communications: What You Can Expect Fall planning will continue all summer long with ongoing opportunities for teachers, parents and students to engage in the process and for families to provide feedback. Regular updates will be provided to the community by both the District and school leadership.