Ossining Began School Virtually, Switching to Hybrid This Week

Monday was the first day in many months Ossining teachers and students met face-to-face, with the first of two groups of students making the trip to school for in-person learning. The second group was in school buildings Thursday and Friday.

The first week-and-a-half of school took place virtually, while district staff finalized preparations to welcome children back into buildings. Roughly 1,200 of Ossining’s more than 5,000 students selected the all-remote option; the rest are in the hybrid program, which combines in-person and remote learning. Children in the hybrid program are divided into the Ossining and Pride groups, with each group in the school buildings part of the week and learning remotely the other days.

“Just know that we’re going to continue throughout our process to grow and improve, and I just want to sincerely thank our staff, thank the parents, thank the students, thank our community for all their support,” Superintendent Raymond Sanchez told viewers during his weekly Facebook Live session Monday evening.

On Monday, the first day for the Ossining group, administrators reminded Anne M. Dorner Middle School students about COVID-19 health and safety precautions.

If they could touch somebody when they put their arms out, they were too close, Assistant Principal Craig Dreves told them. Principal Kate Mathews reminded children to secure their masks and make sure their nose, mouth and chin are covered. Those who went through the front door stood on taped lines marked to show 6-foot distances. Students who arrived on buses entered through one of the side doors, where staff members waited to take their temperature.

Mr. Dreves offered some pointers after leading the Pledge of Allegiance on the public address system. “Hallways are generally one-way and we ask you to stay within the yellow lines,” he said. “Don’t forget to wash your hands often or use sanitizer and always keep 6 feet distance whenever possible.”

At Claremont School, Principal Ferzeen Shamsi donned an owl mask (for the school’s mascot) and a face shield decorated with a rainbow unicorn horn and ears, and a headband with pink balls attached by springs.

“Hi boys and girls. I’m so happy you’re here,” she said to children as they arrived and she and other staff took their temperature. “Welcome back. Nice to see you.”

A few school employees said “Aww, that’s so sweet!” after a boy said, “I love you mom” when she and his younger brother walked him to the school door.

Teachers at Park School also went over safety rules on the first day. In physical education class, teachers Sal Imbimbo and Alison Cummings spaced out markers on the blacktop and directed pre-kindergarteners where to stand.

“The biggest thing right now is going to be personal space, OK?” Ms. Cummings said. “We have to make sure we stay 6 feet apart, but we are still going to get a good workout.”

Pre-kindergarteners experienced many new things on the first day, such as eating their first snack and making their first drawing. One boy drew a picture of the Color Monster from a book by that name they had read that morning. Teacher Susan D’Agostino noticed there was red in the drawing, which signifies anger in the book. She learned that he had felt angry earlier but not anymore.

“So you are happy now that you’re at school? You’re happy?” she asked.

“That makes me so happy. Look, my heart is so full,” she continued, putting her hands over her heart.

In Briana Tharas’ kindergarten class, children filled in a circle map with drawings of things they know a lot about, such as family members and pets. They shared their maps with classmates sitting nearby. “It’s important that in kindergarten we share our work,” Ms. Tharas said.

Afterward, the class took a “wiggle break,” running in place and moving their arms for a few minutes. Then it was time for recess and lunch. “My favorite part of the day is recess,” one student said.