Long Beach School Reopening Plan: What You Need To Know

LONG BEACH, NY — Late Friday, the Long Beach School District released its plan to reopen schools this fall in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The plan includes many facets the district believes will help keep students and staff safe, as well as promote learning for the students. The plan has been submitted to the state for approval.

Under the plan, elementary school students will attend in-person classes every day in socially distanced environments. Middle and high school students will alternate between in-person and online instruction every other day. Special needs students will also be able to have in-person instruction every day.

Here are some key facts about the district's plan:

• There will be two first days of school: Sept. 10 and Sept. 11. The staggered opening will allow administrators to go over the new safety rules with students in a less crowded environment.
• Face coverings will be mandatory for all students. If students don't have them already, the school will provide coverings.
• Elementary school students will stay with their class all day and only interact with them. Special classes will be done in the homeroom to limit travel around the building. School buildings will use all available space, including cafeterias and gyms, to make sure students can socially distance. Some larger classes may be split.
• Virtual classes for secondary students will use the same bell schedule as in-person classes. The district will also turn its NIKE center into a virtual learning center for students in grades 6 through 8. Parents who have to work and are worried about their children being supervised can apply to have their kids sent to NIKE. There will be certified administrators and teaching assistants, and kids will be able to do their online lessons.
• Extracurricular activities may still happen, but will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Some music programs will require more social distancing. The district is looking to relocate those programs to larger indoor spaces, or to outdoor tented areas. Sports are currently scheduled to begin Sept. 21.
• District will supply "at-home learning kits" of supplies to students who need them. Students who are eligible will also have meals delivered to them when they are doing distance learning.
• Everyone who rides the bus — students, drivers and aides — will have to wear masks. If a student doesn't have a mask, one will be provided for them.
• Parents will have to take their child's temperature every day before school, and will be required to sign a contract saying they will keep their children at home if they have a fever of 100 degrees or more.
• Staff members will have to fill out a questionnaire every day about COVID symptoms and exposure. If they answer "yes" to any question, they will be required to stay home.

You can read the district's full plan in detail by clicking here.