Clarkstown Schools Plan To Reopen Under 'Hybrid Learning Model'

CLARKSTOWN, NY—School will look a little different in the fall for students attending schools in the Clarkstown Central School District.

This week, the district's board of education approved plans the reopening to reopen schools under a Hybrid Scheduling Model for Grades K-5 and Grades 6-12, with parents also having the option to choose full-time distance learning instruction for their child as below:

• Grades K-5 - A Hybrid, A/B Model which allows 50 percent of the students to be in school on a rotating A/B basis. The students not in the school will receive instruction via Distance Learning.

• Grades 6-12 - A Hybrid, A, B, C Model which allows 33 percent of the students to be in school on a rotating A, B, C, basis. The students not in the school will receive instruction via Distance Learning.
• All Grades - A full-time distance learning option is available for students at all grade levels.

Under the new models, the school year will begin with a half day schedule starting on Sept. 2, and transition to a full day schedule on Monday, Sept. 21, according to the school district.

Superintendent Martin D. Cox said planning for the fall reopening of school first began in May countywide with all Rockland school districts and CCSD's administrative team. This was followed by the first of two district task force meetings, 19 subsequent subcommittee meetings, numerous administrative meetings and three board workshops. Parent feedback via surveys and emails was also reviewed.

"Due to the need to adhere to the State Department of Health 6-feet social distancing in our classrooms which forces a hybrid model for instruction, I stated multiple times throughout the process that such obstacles prevent a “win-win” outcome," Cox said in a letter to parents and faculty.

District officials said recommendations were ultimately made with the health and safety of students and staff in mind while choosing a sound instructional model that also recognizes the need for fiscal responsibility.

The superintendent said the school district is currently finalizing the reopening plan for submission to the New York State Education Department on Friday, July 31.

The plan will be posted on the reopening webpage. Cox said the school district will also provide more detailed information in the coming weeks as schedules are finalized.