Full April Return to In-Person Learning for Mamaroneck Students

Larchmont-Mamaroneck, NY—

In a letter to parents, Mamaroneck Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert I. Shaps confirmed that the district will return to full in-person learning for all grades beginning on April 8th. Shaps says the timing of the move comes after 9 months worth of scientific data indicated low COVID-19 transmission rates in classrooms and overall declining infection rates in the region. Additionally, he noted that teachers started receiving vaccinations weeks ago, making the current pandemic’s risk to staff less of a concern.

The current hybrid-model combining in-person and virtual learning schedules will remain in place until the April 8 “reopening.” On this date, students will have either opted for a fully remote learning model or a traditional entirely in-person school schedule.

“It is almost one year since our students spent a full school day in one of our buildings,” Dr. Shaps wrote in his March 3 letter to parents. “We are all excited to have them back together, but also recognize there will be an adjustment. We will prioritize the social-emotional well-being of all of our learners, and teachers and staff will be helping students with the adjustment.”

To facilitate the return to full-time in-person instruction, the district will hire between 15 and 36 new teacher aides. Teachers will also be given additional planning time and resources.

The schools will continue to employ sanitation and social distancing recommended by public health officials. According to the district, school facilities have already been equipped with Needlepoint bipolar ionization units, enhanced air circulation systems and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as desk partitions.

School officials are still working out the details of how and where students will gather for lunch and recess. New policies on safe entry, dismissal and hallway procedures have yet to be finalized.

Dr. Shaps will host a virtual forum on Monday, March 8 to detail finalized plans for the reopening of full-time in classroom learning as well as to address concerns from the public. The 6pm meeting will be broadcast on YouTube or can be joined via Zoom.