Sachem School District Adds Desk Shields To Distancing Plan

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY —The superintendent of Sachem Central School District announced a new measure in the fight against coronavirus spread in schools on Monday: desk shields. In September a widely-publicized school closure after a a cluster of ten COVID-19 cases was linked to a Sweet 16 birthday party.

According to Superintendent Christopher Pellettieri, the installation of the desk shields is prompted by an increasing number of students who are returning to in-person learning.

"It is very encouraging to note that the positive COVID-19 cases we have been made aware of thus far seem to have nothing to do with being in school. I am also happy to say none of the positive cases we are aware of have resulted in any serious medical issues," he wrote in a letter to the district.

Some of the Sachem elementary schools are seeing new enrollees, due to new students and other students returning from remote learning.

"As a result, the district will begin utilizing desk shields in several classrooms in some of our elementary buildings. These shields, which meet [New York State] guidelines, and have been certified by the district’s architect, are approved barriers, which will allow us the ability to move desks a bit closer together, while still protecting those in the classrooms from the potential of respiratory transmission."

The desk shields will be cleaned nightly. Dr. Pellettieri didn't specify which school buildings would be affected.