Schools Reopening Amid COVID: LI Parents React To District Plans

LONG ISLAND, NY — As schools across New York are preparing to reopen, Long Island parents are expressing their opinions — and Patch spoke with two who have completely different reactions.

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced all New York schools can reopen as long as coronavirus rates remains low. But first, all school districts are required to submit a reopening plan to the state Department of Health and the state Education Department. The DOH has the authority to reject plans, Cuomo said.

How each district decides to reopen is up to its own discretion, whether it's in-person or a hybrid plan that includes remote learning, he said. In addition, each school district must post three plans on its website: plans for remote learning, procedures for coronavirus testing and contact tracing. In addition, Cuomo said each school district must host three online discussion sessions for parents with questions by Friday.

As Long Island schools began to unveil their plans, parents are expressing their opinions on the plans and debating whether or not to allow their children to go back to school.

In North Babylon, the proposed plan will include students in grades K-6 going back to school five days a week in smaller classes. However, Geoffrey Cheeping, the parent of a soon-to-be first grader, says he was "extremely dismayed" by the options presented by the district.

"We were given an all or nothing option, either commit to at least 12 weeks of virtual learning, with no assurance of being able to have your child return to school after 12 weeks not to mention that should they be allowed back there is no assurance they will be in their normal school building, or commit to full day in person learning 5 days a week," he told Patch via email. "Again with no assurance that should circumstances change, virtual learning would be an option. Districts across the island have managed to offer hybrid options for K-6, yet North Babylon has in my opinion shirked there responsibility regarding our communities safety, by leaving parents with an all or nothing decision."

In West Islip, the school districts announced elementary and middle school students would return full-time September 8, with students staggered by grade level. West Islip High School students would potentially return either September 8 or September 9, using an A/B schedule where only half of the student population will be in the high school at the same time. Local parent Diana DeLorenzo, who was happy with the plan the district presented, said she will "100 percent" be sending her children back to school.

"West Islip has taken a lot of time, thought and money to try and make entering back into school not only safe but as comfortable as they can considering requirements. I say that because some of the things they have planned is having plenty of supplies for those who need them, they have replaced air filters and have social distanced in the classrooms," she said via email. "They also purchased floor signs where kids can stand and extra washing stations for schools that need them. Part of their plan which I am happiest about is going back every other day for the first 4 weeks and during those 4 weeks working on the kids metal health not just academics. Mental health is something that often gets over looked and I am proud of West Islip in acknowledging its importance to getting back to school the right way."

What do you think? Are you happy with your school district's plan? Let us know in the comments below.