Hawks Get Back to the Nest

Plainview, N.Y. — For the first time in nearly 6 months, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District opened back up its doors to students on Tuesday, September 8th. While the first days back looked different this year, the excitement of students and teachers to return to the classroom was just as prominent as years past. Roughly 4,182 students returned this week for in-person instruction while 783 are opting for remote learning.

“I could not be more appreciative to our faculty and staff at all levels for making this process go as smooth as possible. It is because of their hard work and planning over the course of the summer that these students are back in the classroom,” said Dr. Mary O’Meara, Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. “We are incredibly excited to have our students back whether it be in-person or remotely.” Already familiar with the community, this is Dr. O’Meara’s first year as the District’s Superintendent but her third year as a member of the District’s Central Administration.

The in-person Reopening Plan was created to maximize the number of students who return to school with strict social distancing and intense cleaning and disinfecting. As a part of this plan, students K-6 attend school each day and receive instruction in all subjects and specials. Students in grades 7-12 attend in-person on alternating days, twice a week, divided into cohorts by last name. Friday’s are remote learning days for all students. Families also had the option to choose a full remote learning plan for those considered at high-risk and for those whose families are not comfortable sending their students back into buildings for in-person instruction.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District will remain committed to the health and safety of all students and staff by performing daily screenings and temperature checks to anyone that enters the buildings. This year, the District’s mission is to continue “Lighting the Way Forward” and to continue to be a beacon of hope in the community during the course of this pandemic.

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pobschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pobschools.