School Prepares To Transition Back To Remote, Hybrid Model

NORTH FORK, NY — As new cases of the coronavirus continue to surge in Suffolk County — as of Tuesday's the positivity rate in Suffolk spiked to 13.6 percent, according to County Executive Steve Bellone — officials in at least one school district are telling parents and students to be prepared for a shift back to remote or hybrid learning.

Greenport Union Free School District Secondary Principal Gary Kalish and Elementary Principal Joseph Tsaveras sent a message to families, stating that the district was monitoring the situation.

"We understand that is it possible and perhaps likely that the infection rates will continue to increase in our region," the said. "Should conditions lead us to consider transitioning into a remote or hybrid instructional model, we need to be prepared.

To that end, students were instructed to bring home school-issued Chromebooks and any other materials that they might need.

As it stands, the district plans to return to in-person learning and the normal after the holiday break but the focus is on being prepared, they said.

On Friday, Greenport Union Free School District Superintendent Marlon Small sent home a letter to parents explaining that five cases of COVID-19 were reported last week, with two at the elementary level and three in the high school; all cases are reported to the Department of Health. All students must quarantine and contact tracing was done, he said.

Small urged everyone to wear masks and practice social distancing. "Your decision will help to keep our school and community safe as we strive to stop the spread of the virus," he said.

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said despite the escalating numbers, she plans to allow schools to remain open and said at-home tests would be distributed at schools and sent home in backpacks.