Community Corner
Smithtown Parents To Protest For Reopening Of 2 School Buildings
Parents want two elementary schools to reopen so their kids can return to in-person learning during the coronavirus. A rally is scheduled.
SMITHTOWN, NY — A group of Smithtown parents is scheduled to protest for the reopening of two defunct elementary school buildings in the district so children can all return to class during the coronavirus pandemic. The rally is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at 26 New York Ave., Smithtown.
There are two school buildings currently not being used, parents said. Branch Brook Elementary closed before the 2017-18 school year, and Nesconset Elementary shuttered in 2012. Both schools closed due to declining enrollment and rising costs, Newsday reported.
The "Rally for 5 days in school education for our Smithtown kids!!" will be held in response to the Smithtown School District's coronavirus reopening plan. The district will start the 2020-21 year with a hybrid learning model, which consists of in-person and remote learning, as long as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state permit schools to reopen.
Find out what's happening in Smithtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Under the hybrid option, all students would be grouped with the following method:
- Group 1: All students with last names that begin with A through K
- Group 2: All students with last names that begin with L through Z
Group 1 will attend school in-person every Monday and Tuesday, as well as on alternating Wednesdays. Group 2 will attend school in-person every Thursday and Friday, as well as on alternating Wednesdays. Students will learn remotely on days they don't physically go to school.
Find out what's happening in Smithtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
However, parents attending the protest want to see Branch Brook Elementary and Nesconset Elementary School reopen so their children can attend school in-person every day. The rally is being organized by Facebook group "Open up Branch Brook & Nesconset El!!!!". As of Tuesday afternoon, 61 people committed to attending, while 116 expressed interest.
"Bring your signs and wear your mask!!!!," the group wrote.
The Smithtown Central School District currently has 12 open schools — seven elementary, three middle and two high schools.
Branch Brook Elementary School is at 15 Ridgeley Road, Smithtown, while Nesconset Elementary School is at 29 Gibbs Pond Road, Nesconset.
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