West Islip Schools Closed For Students On Monday

WEST ISLIP, NY — The West Islip School District announced on Saturday that all schools will be closed to students on Monday in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Last week, schools closed down after an employee at Bayview Elementary School was found to have tested positive for the disease. While no additional cases have been reported, officials decided to shut down the schools since the overall numbers in Suffolk County continue to rise, Superintendent Bernadette M. Burns stated in a letter to the community.

As a result, Monday will be considered a Superintendent's Conference Day to give the instructional staff an opportunity to continue to prepare "alternate experiences that will keep students engaged in their learning during an extended closure," the letter states.

"Your building principal and teachers will communicate with you directly regarding class assignments should schools need to close," Burns wrote. "Students who attend out-of-district and nonpublic schools will be transported on their regular bus routes if their schools are in session."

In addition, the school district implemented the following changes:

• Middle school winter sports season ended on Friday, March 13. All spring sports combined practices, scrimmages and games are suspended through Friday, April 3.
• All music and drama events, including practices and shows, are cancelled through Friday, April 3.
• All evening events through Friday, April 3 are cancelled.
• All field trips scheduled through Friday, April 3 are cancelled.
• The use of school buildings for PTA meetings is cancelled, as are classroom visitations by parents/visitors, through Friday, April 3.
• Enrichment and Adult Education classes are cancelled through Friday, April 3.
• Any student-centered activity with visitor-involvement during the school day is cancelled (orientations, books fairs, etc) through Friday, April 3.
• The use of facilities by outside groups and organizations is cancelled through Monday, April 13.

The Alternative High School will continue to operate on all days that regular school is in session Annual reviews our students with disabilities will be held as scheduled. Schools will now be open on Friday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 26.