Planning for Mid-March Full Time In-Person Learning: Gr K-2 at All Elementary Schools Dear Parents and Community Members,
I am writing to share a progress update since the Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, when I identified several important factors that would determine when and if we could safely reopen our schools for full time in-person learning. Currently, we are planning to bring a portion of our students back for full time in-person instruction in mid-late March, starting with our youngest learners -- students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade across all elementary schools -- followed by a second phase-in of students in grades 3-5 at Mamaroneck Ave. School (our school most deeply impacted by the pandemic). Our aim, if feasible, is to return all of our elementary students to full day in-school instruction; however, given space limitations in our schools, many complexities exist around safety protocols, scheduling and staffing. I am pleased to say that we are making progress working through these details, provided below.
Safety Measures
New Classroom-by-Classroom Space Audits Being Completed This Week - Using the AAP 3-6 feet guidelines, we are measuring and reconfiguring classroom space to determine how we may accommodate all students. As you are aware, our school buildings are old, with smaller-size classrooms so each space needs to be prototyped and measured to meet consistent guidelines. Alternative spaces are being considered to accommodate all students based on the 3-6 foot range guidelines.
Student Desks and Plastic Desk Shields Being Ordered -The tables used for elementary classroom seating configurations limit our ability to accommodate a maximum number of students; therefore, we have placed an order to purchase a large quantity of student desks, which may continue to be required when we return in September. We also are in the process of procuring desk shields to be used in order to meet guidelines. The Board of Education at its meeting this evening is expected to approve a resolution authorizing these purchases.
Staffing & Scheduling
Hiring Additional Staff - Currently, to maintain our hybrid model of learning, we are utilizing all staff available to us. In preparation for full day in-person learning, which includes lunch and recess, we will need to hire additional teacher aides. We have already identified and begun advertising for staffing positions that will support our offering of a full instructional day. However we are uncertain that we will be able to fill all necessary positions
For Families: Upcoming Virtual Forums & Learning Model Choice Survey Family Survey on Instructional Model Choice: Full Time In-Person or Fully Remote - We will survey parents on their learning model choice for each student, offering two options: Full-Time In-Person Instruction or Fully-Remote Learning. The survey to gauge parent interest has been developed and will be released shortly.
Recognizing the challenges that have come from nearly a year of hybrid and remote learning, we are fully aware of the enormous task ahead. Aside from safety, being attentive to the social-emotional needs of every student will be our single-most important component of our return-to-school plan. We know that the return to a "new normal" will look different than we have ever experienced before, and we are ready and prepared to meet all students' needs. Moreover, we know that learning under existing conditions will not be optimal based on how students learn best and the limitations of social distancing and health and safety restrictions.
In summary, we will accomplish this transition from hybrid to full in-person learning in the same thoughtful manner we approached the opening of school in September. I am proud that Mamaroneck, because of our extraordinarily dedicated staff, was one of only a handful of school districts in Westchester able to offer the continuity of in-person learning every day for every student this past fall and know that our staff and administrators will continue to work tirelessly to make the transition back to full-time learning as smooth as possible.
I appreciate your support, and we must all continue to do our part to ensure that this return-to-school plan is successful. Families share in the responsibility to keep our community safe by continuing to social distance, wear masks and avoid large, unsafe gatherings.
More details to follow, but I wanted to keep you in the loop on our current plans. Spring is approaching, and I am feeling hopeful!
Respectfully,
Dr. Robert I. Shaps Superintendent of Schools 1000 W. Boston Post Rd. • Mamaroneck, NY 10543 • (914) 220-3000 |