Reopening at BCSD Proves to Be a Success
Submitted by Rachel Turetsky
“The first two days with students coming back was a welcome sight to see,” said Dr. Stephen Young, Berlin Central School District Superintendent.
Berlin Central School District launched its 2020–2021 school year on September 10 and 11. BCSD students had all three of their educational models—in person, remote and hybrid—commence over the two days.
“Our staff did a fantastic job reassuring students and helping them become familiar with the requirements and recommendations of new health and safety precautions.”
“What a fantastic first two days!” said new Berlin Middle-High School (BMHS) Principal Jodi Sullivan. “I was excited to finally meet the students, the true heart of BMHS, and they impressed me right from the start.”
At Berlin Elementary School (BES) student enrollment options are in-person learning or all remote learning. BES in-person students will be at the school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with a remote day district-wide on Wednesdays.
BES remote learners will attend virtual classes daily from home.
“It was an exciting day to finally be able to welcome our students back to school after such a long period of time,” said Berlin Elementary Principal Tracy Kent.
“Both teachers and students were happy to see one another again. Although we are wearing masks, there was no doubt that those faces were smiling!”
BMHS students have the options of all remote learning or they may participate in the hybrid model. The hybrid model consists of two cohorts, one called green and one yellow. Students in the green cohort attend in person learning on Mondays and Thursdays, while the yellow cohort attends in person on Tuesdays and Fridays. All BMHS students will be remote on Wednesdays, just like the students at BES.
Principal Sullivan stated, “Whether remote or in-person it was clear to see the strong rapport between students and faculty/staff. So many smiles really made all the prep work worthwhile.
“I am hoping that this smooth start is a great sign for a wonderful school year ahead.”
Fred Hutchinson, BCSD Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, is also looking forward to the year ahead.
“I think I can speak for the entire BCSD staff when I say we are so excited to be back to campus again. It took a great effort from our entire community, but we have made it and it is wonderful to see.”
“Our drivers did a great job!” said Dr. Young when reflecting on the opening days.
He stated that fewer numbers of students using buses allowed for safe and successful operations by the transportation department.
“The number of students having meals was lower than expected, but this will pick up as they learn the routines,” said Dr. Young.
The new routine for meals will have students pre-ordering their meals for the following week. The meals will be delivered to their designated lunch zones. Remote learners will still have the option of school meals and will have a weekly pick-up time. For more information on the meal changes please go to www.berlin
central.org.
“Both buildings and all classrooms were ready for students, and the teachers at all grade levels got off to a fantastic start with what they do best—delivering instruction in a very safe and positive manner,” said Dr. Young.
With new State Education Department regulations due to COVID-19 and important new safety protocols to follow for both students and staff, Dr. Young was very pleased at how all the hard work since March came together.
“The smooth opening could not have gotten us off to a better start thanks to the hard work, logistical planning, and preparation of our essential support staff and the excellent leadership of Berlin administrators.”
Please visit the BCSD website at www.berlincentral.org to find out more about the BCSD reopening plan.