Huntington School District Proposes Coronavirus Reopening Plan

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Huntington Union Free School District announced its proposed coronavirus reopening plan for the 2020-21 school year, which is scheduled to kick off Sept. 9.

The district will follow social distancing guidelines, require face coverings for all students and staff and use physical barriers, Superintendent James W. Polansky stated in the reopening plan. Coronavirus-specific safety measures will be taken, including restricted use of common areas, cleaning and disinfecting spaces and equipment regularly, and quickly responding to ill students and staff. The district will also be prepared to shift rapidly to distance learning for all students if rolling closures happen. The plan is just a proposal, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo has the final say on if schools will open at all in the fall.

Families will have a choice between hybrid and full-time distance learning, according to the district. The hybrid model consists of both in-person and distance learning.

"While the district is prepared to welcome all students back into classrooms, we are offering learning situations that include both hybrid and distance learning options to ensure that our
families have the ability to choose the model that works best for their children," Polansky said.

Kindergartners and students in the special class setting are scheduled to attend school every day.

A phase-in process is also listed as one of the district's strategies. It will allow officials to assess COVID-19 metrics and implement the initial phases of the district's plan.

There are three phases listed. Under phases one and two, full distance learning is available at all grade levels. Under phase three, all students will return to in-school learning. The transition dates are to be determined.

Students will be assigned to four cohorts under the hybrid model, meaning they'll be placed in groups that will report to school together on designated weekdays. These are organized by alphabetical spelling of last names.

In phase one, elementary students grades 1 through 6 will have a 2/3 day per week in-school rotation, while grades 7 through 12 will follow a 1/2 day per week rotation.

Under phase two, grades 1 & 4 will return to school every day, while the other elementary grades will still follow phase one protocols. For middle and high school students, the four cohorts will combine to two (T/W or Th/F; alternating M).

Students unable to return to school due to health issues or who are uncomfortable returning to school on the scheduled start date can participate in the district's full-time distance learning program. These students will be placed in a cohort leading to a transition into the hybrid model should they choose to do so. Families will be asked to express their intent for students to use this option before the school year begins. During phases one and two of the plan, students may return to the hybrid model if they notify their principal. All students will be expected to return to school under phase three, the district said.

Surgical masks and cloth-based coverings are acceptable. A variety of personal protective equipment will be available at all Huntington schools, as the district will provide one reusable mask to every student and staff members. Students will get "mask breaks" throughout the day, but they must wear them on the bus.

Hand sanitizer dispensers were installed in cafeterias, as well as all classrooms and offices that don't have sinks. All classrooms will be equipped with disinfectant and paper towels.

While at school, students and staff will be asked to stay at least 6 feet apart from one another. The requirement will pertain to classrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds and offices, with markers on the floor. The required distance is at least 12 feet for chorus students and band members who play a wind instrument. Students in gym class won't participate in physical contact sports, and shared equipment must be cleaned after each use.

Students, staff and visitors will be subjected to daily screenings: a five-question questionnaire and a temperature check at school entry.

"The District remains focused on student and staff safety, on addressing the trauma that our collective community has experienced, and on providing high-quality instruction and learning experiences regardless of the model(s) implemented," Polansky wrote. "We will continuously monitor the situation and provide updates and revisions following changes to guidance, regulations and policies at all levels. We will strive to remain proactive in anticipation of circumstances that may change throughout the course of the school year."

Students in the distance learning model will have webcam access to classrooms, and a Chromebook will be issued to them by the district.

Earlier this month, Cuomo announced that New York schools can reopen only if coronavirus infection rates fall below strict benchmarks to be set in early August.

The "formula" Cuomo spelled out allows school openings in regions that are in phase four and have an infection rate under 5 percent. An "emergency" stop to openings will take place if infections rise above 9 percent, he said. A full decision on openings is expected to be made within the next week.

Nearly 1,700 participated in a survey by the district on the three learning models: roughly 57 percent approved of in-school learning, approximately 51 percent approved of the hybrid model, and only 29 percent said "yes" to the remote model.

More than 65 percent prefer a live teacher, roughly 16 percent voted for pre-recorded lessons, about nine percent voted for independent learning, approximately four percent said they prefer a supplemental small group, and around six percent said 'other.'