BOE Approves Superintendent’s Recommendation on Instructional Models
Dear Clarkstown School Community:
At the Board of Education Workshop held last evening, July 28th, the Board of Education members continued the workshop discussion that started on July 23rd and approved my recommendation of the instructional models for the reopening of our schools. As such, we will be planning the reopening of our schools under the Hybrid Scheduling Model for Grades K-5 and Grades 6-12 with parents also having the option to choose full-time distance learning instruction for their child as below:
- Grades K-5 - A Hybrid, A/B Model which allows 50% of the students to be in school on a rotating A/B basis. The students not in the school will receive instruction via Distance Learning.
- Grades 6-12 - A Hybrid, A, B, C Model which allows 33% of the students to be in school on a rotating A, B, C, basis. The students not in the school will receive instruction via Distance Learning.
-or-
- All Grades - A full-time Distance Learning option is available for students at all grade levels.
Under the new models, the school year will begin with a half day schedule starting on September 2nd, and transition to a full day schedule on Monday, September 21st.
This decision completes an inclusive process that began in May countywide with all Rockland school districts and our administrative team. This was followed by the first of two District Task Force meetings, 19 subsequent subcommittee meetings, numerous administrative meetings and three Board Workshops. Parent feedback via surveys and emails was also reviewed.
Due to the need to adhere to the State Department of Health 6-feet social distancing in our classrooms which forces a hybrid model for instruction, I stated multiple times throughout the process that such obstacles prevent a “win-win” outcome. Nonetheless, my recommendation was made with the health and safety of students and staff in mind while choosing a sound instructional model that also recognizes the need for fiscal responsibility.
We are finalizing the reopening plan for submission to the New York State Education Department on Friday, July 31. The plan will be posted on the Reopening webpage. We will provide more detailed information in the coming weeks as schedules are finalized.
While reflecting, I enjoyed the opportunity to partner with stakeholders in our community and am appreciative of the time and efforts of the 281 people who were involved in our process. Thank you for your continued partnership as we navigate through these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Martin D. Cox, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools