A Framework for Reopening

July 31, 2020: A Framework for Reopening
Posted on 07/31/2020
Photo of Dr. KatzDear School Community Member:

I hope this guidance document finds you in the best of health and spirit during this unpredictable and challenging time. The closing of schools in March of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly affected the Fallsburg School Community. The impact of the pandemic and the effects it has had on many different levels of life may continue through the 2020-21 school year and, perhaps, beyond.

While this past spring was fraught with great challenges, I believe that we were successful in many ways and I am proud of the sense of community that was clearly demonstrated. From volunteering to serve meals and child care, to an amazing school community parade this past June, and many other small and grand efforts, our school community was there for Fallsburg’s children. I continue to be awed but not surprised by how consistently great a school community this is.

Given the ongoing, unpredictable and challenging issues we all face, it is very important that we plan for a safe school reopening. The health, safety and welfare of students, staff, and our school community is our top priority.

While we plan for a safe reopening we have to consider and plan for the many challenges that school staff, students and families face. This plan (https://sites.google.com/fallsburgcsd.net/aframeworkforreopening) addresses many of those challenges.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this document (https://sites.google.com/fallsburgcsd.net/aframeworkforreopening). I would also like to thank the many school and community members who have been working with us during this planning process. This guidance document is far from complete. It is a living document that will be updated throughout the year as we learn and adjust to the changing realities of the ongoing pandemic.

This plan (https://sites.google.com/fallsburgcsd.net/aframeworkforreopening), has been prepared for submission to the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Department of Health. Work on this plan began this past spring as the severity and reality of the Covid-19 pandemic created an opportunity for us to look at education differently.

The 2020-2021 school year will be a work in progress for all of us as we continue to explore the best ways to reach all students in light of the challenges we face. District teams are committed to working with stakeholders, on an ongoing basis, to improve instruction and to prepare for the safe return of students and staff.

The FCSD Framework for Reopening (https://sites.google.com/fallsburgcsd.net/aframeworkforreopening) is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible. It is a framework to support and inform us as we continue to plan for school to return in the fall, whether instruction takes place in person, remotely, or through a hybrid combination of the two.

The hybrid model, you’ll find, allows for students to have in-person instruction for part of the time and remote instruction for part of the time. This hybrid model can be easily adapted to a fully remote learning model should circumstances call for that.

Please take time to read through this document (https://sites.google.com/fallsburgcsd.net/aframeworkforreopening) as there is a lot of information to consider. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Updates and presentations will be provided as necessary, using our media resources, to keep you informed. Thank you for your continued support of our schools. We value your partnership in the education of our students.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Ivan Katz, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools