Schools In Huntington, South Huntington, Go Remote For Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Both the Huntington and South Huntington school districts announced closures this week as all students will learn under the remote model. The shift, which both districts stated will last Monday through Friday, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Both districts could reopen their schools to in-person learning as soon as Jan. 11, though Huntington School District Superintendent James W. Polansky asked for help from the community so that the targeted reopening date remains "on track."

"Please do your part and resist participating in the small social gatherings that appear to be a primary force driving the recent spike in COVID positivity," Polansky wrote Saturday. "Additionally, maintain your diligence with respect to social distancing, mask-wearing and hygienic practices. Should you or a family member experience a symptom or symptoms, please remain home and contact a primary health care provider."

South Huntington School District listed the temporary closure on its website.

The New York state COVID-19 Report Card lists 66 Huntington School District students, teachers or staff having tested positive since September. For the South Huntington School District, there have been 73 total positives, according to the report card.

"The positivity rate in the region remains relatively high, however, there has still been no indication that additional micro-cluster zone will be designated," Polansky said. "We also know that the situation is fluid and decisions can be made in Albany with little to no notice."

Polansky urged Huntington parents to consider providing advanced consent allowing their child to be tested should testing become a requirement for a school or schools in the district to remain open.