Describing the challenge as possibly “the most important work our staff ever does,” the Shelter Island Union Free School District outlines its reopening plans in a letter home to families today. Administrators say “it is the district’s goal to bring all students back full-time while meeting and exceeding safety guidelines” set forth by the state. And, the district invites students and parents to participate in a survey and in online meetings to provide input before the July 31 state submission deadline.
“The reopening of our district is a monumental task,” says the letter signed by the district’s chief administrator, Superintendent Brian Doelger, along with Jennifer Rylott, director of pupil personnel, data and instruction, and Todd Gulluscio, director of athletics, physical education, health, wellness and personnel.
“We want to provide our children with the best education possible, focusing on academics, but most importantly focusing on the social, emotional, and physical health of everyone involved,” they said. “Please be aware, while this is the framework of our plan, the framework and the ensuing plan are all subject to change pending the ever-changing situation of the pandemic. We will continue to provide you with information as the situation unfolds.”
School districts around the state have until July 31 to submit their finalized reopening plans to state education officials. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said he is assembling a task force of experts to provide advice on the parameters for re-opening, and that decisions will be made on a regional basis.
Shelter Island is part of the Long Island region, which includes districts of all sizes, from tiny, like ours, to enormous, like Sewanhaka in Floral Park, with 8,145 students in high school alone.
Based on state guidance
The district’s reopening plans must comport with state guidance, Dr. Doelger noted.
“Since the beginning of the summer, we have been busy at work contemplating everything possible to ensure a safe return for the school community in September,” they write. “Just this past week, we received guidance from Governor Cuomo, The New York State Department of Health, and the New York State Education Department on learning for next year [see our coverage in this Gazette post].”
“Our administrative and district team have been meeting on this every day and this will continue as the summer progresses. The Shelter Island UFSD has been analyzing various scenarios and methods. All school districts have been directed to create three plans for next year: a full in-person plan, a hybrid plan which would have an in-school and distance learning element, and a full distance learning plan.”
“Pending meeting Governor Cuomo’s reopening requirements, it is the district’s goal to bring all students back full-time next year while meeting and exceeding all safety guidelines set forth in the Department of Health and Education Department guidelines.”
Changes already made or in the works
To prepare for reopening, the district has already implemented some changes and is planning for more, Dr. Doelger said, as detailed below:
- Wash stations installed
- True HEPA Air purifiers purchased for each room
- PPE purchase – thousands of masks, gloves, and gowns
- Hand sanitizer purchased
- Reduced class sizes when necessary
- Students will be entirely cohorted in grades Pre-K – 7 Students will be instructed with the same group of students throughout the school day.
- Classroom realignment to fit students and staff as safely as possible
- Teacher schedule reassignment to teach and learn as safely as possible
- Health screens and temperature checks of all students and staff
- New school entrance plan in the morning
- Hallway and stairway – one ways with arrows in the hall
- Classrooms must be cleaned out of everything but desks to optimize spaceRequired Components of Shelter Island’s Plan
- Students and staff wear masks at all times, except when engaged in instruction and seated at a desk that is socially distanced from their peers and staff
- Daily health screenings for all employees, students, and staff
- Children and staff’s temperatures will be taken upon arrival
- Contact tracing and coordination with local health department guidelines
- Daily cleaning and disinfecting protocols which will be logged and documented
- Limited sharing of supplies
- Only essential school visits
- Training for students and staff on proper hygiene and safety cleaning measures
Academic/Instructional Parameters
The letter goes on to outline academic/instructional parameters as follows:
- All students will report to school for a full day
- Except Pre-K 3 will be half day as planned
- Spaces will be converted to create extra classroom space
- Teachers and classes will be encouraged to go outside
- Different personnel may teach or supervise different classes to keep class numbers as low as possible (teachershave been given the flexibility by the NYS Education Department to teach 10 hours per week outside of thecertification area)
- First week of school will be orientation on new safety protocols
- Teachers will also place a strong focus on social and emotional learning
- Lunches will be in classroom
- Pre-K-7 will eat lunch in their classroom
- 8-12 can leave school grounds for lunch with parental permission
- One way halls/stairs
Student/parent input
“Now comes the most important part — your involvement in the development of further implementation,” the letter says. “We want to hear your input.”
Students and parents may fill out this questionnaire at SurveyMonkey. And, they may take part in Google Meet groups to be held as follows:
- Parents – Monday, July 27 at 6 PM
- Students – Tuesday, July 28 at 12 PM
Faculty and staff input will also be sought through a survey and online meeting.
“We will continue to provide you with information as the situation unfolds,” the letter concludes. “We look forward to engaging you in this process as we continue to build upon these plans. We also hope you are having a restful and relaxing summer.”
Here is a PDF of Dr. Doelger’s letter
Dr. Doelger also directed anyone interested in learning more about the guidance to visit the following sites:
