Dear Families:
I hope you have all had a chance to read my update sent on Friday afternoon. (March 5 message)
Using a two-phase re-entry approach, we are looking forward to welcoming more students back into our buildings.
Hybrid/In-person Learners:
It is anticipated that all hybrid/in-person learners will attend in-person classes 4 days a week beginning March 16, and 5 days a week beginning April 6. If you do not intend to return to in-person instruction and will instead opt for all-remote learning for the remainder of the year, please complete the survey to update your learning model.
Remote Learners:
Families of our all-remote learners are asked to notify us of their intentions for the remainder of the school year. All-remote instruction will remain an option through June 2021.
Your response is vital to our ability to successfully plan and facilitate this next phase of our re-entry plan. We ask that you please complete the survey before Monday, March 15. (SURVEY LINK) (SPANISH SURVEY LINK)
For several weeks, we have had internal conversations regarding the possibility of safely bringing additional students back into our buildings each day. This work has been accelerated over the past few weeks as local and state authorities have started to provide the flexibility and encouragement for school districts to take this next step.
As we considered what our next steps may look like, it provided us the opportunity to reflect on all we have been able to accomplish this school year. While many school district plans are now focused on the return of elementary students, special education students, and other students identified as struggling within the hybrid learning model, we are reminded that is where we began in September. This is a testament to the collective efforts of our staff, students, and parents to best serve the students of Putnam Valley. Thank you!
It is our belief that this next phase of reopening will allow us to safely bring additional students back into our classrooms while maintaining the time necessary to support our all-remote learners and continue to plan instruction that simultaneously supports in-person and remote learners.
Mask wearing will continue to be required, physical distancing will be maximized, and additional mitigation measures will be implemented (ventilation, filtration, barriers/shields, etc.) Our daily cleaning procedures will also remain in place.
This shift will have an impact on district transportation where students may be asked to sit two per seat and during lunch periods where we may be forced to split up groups, use alternate locations, or install barriers.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
Link to Phased Re-Entry Communication (3/5/21)
Link to Spring Re-Entry Plan Overview
Please complete one survey per child here.
Thank you,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools