Schools Reopen, Each In Its Own Way
Doug La Rocque with Rachel Turetsky
Walking through the Hoosick Falls School buildings on Tuesday, September 8, things were obviously so well planned out and coordinated, you might have thought it was a typical opening day of school. In reality, it was anything but that. And according to Superintendent Pat Dailey, the day passed without issue.
Mr. Dailey was quick to credit the hard work of everyone in the district, from administrators, educators, transportation, maintenance and food service. He also told The Eastwick Press, that from the day they started to prepare for reopening, one thought was paramount on everyone’s mind, “the kids were the most important part of the plan, we have to do this right.” He also wanted to thank the Hoosick Falls School community. He called them “amazing” and none of this would have been possible without their help and cooperation.
Students Have Challenges Too
In six months they have gone from daily in person education, to schools closed and full remote learning, to in many cases now, the hybrid approach. According to the two HFCS Seniors we spoke to, it’s a bit unsettling. Ayla Fauler says she does not like the on line learning, and would much prefer being in class everyday. Ms. Fauler feels the interaction with her instructors and other students is very important, and something that is lacking with on line learning. She also said the class selection becomes limited.
Madelyn Kasulinous agrees, but indicated the use of live streaming and FaceTime helps restore the personal touch. Ms. Kasulinous is also missing high school athletics. Her sport in the fall is field hockey, something she might be able to resume shortly. Governor Cuomo recently said lower-risk sports, such as tennis, soccer, cross country, field hockey and swimming, can begin practicing and then playing in all regions of the state on September 21. High-risk sports such as volleyball and football can begin practice but not yet play. Ms. Fauler also listed sports as something about her senior year she is missing, but held out hope that some functions, such as school dances and the prom, might be possible this year.
The two girls are close friends, and fortunately, are on the same daily rotation. Some others are not, and Ms. Fauler says maintaining their friendships can be challenging. Ms. Kasulinous feels the current approach requires more focus and less socializing. The fact both girls are seniors and some in that age group may have their own forms of transportation, does allow for appropriate get togethers in off school hours and weekends.
Be Wary Of The Monkey Wrench
For HFCS, the work began the day Governor Andrew Cuomo announced schools could reopen, deciding which approach to learning fit their district best, in person, remote or a hybrid of both? For Hoosick Falls, the hybrid approach seemed best, with all students kindergarten through 12 grade attending school two days a week, and receiving on line sessions the other three. The school population was split down the middle, with A and B groups alternating days and everyone on remote learning on Wednesday. Despite the fact things went well for opening day, Superintendent Dailey warns they cannot sit on their laurels, and must keep preparing for things none of them may have anticipated, or a change in education protocol from the Governor. He says the entire staff knows they may have to adjust at a moment’s notice, that nothing is set in stone and they must remain fluid.
All four districts in The Eastwick Press coverage area have adopted continued on line learning to various degrees. For some, this meant handing out laptops (sometimes referred to as chrome books) for students virtual learning. The Brunswick School District (Tamarac) did so on September 1.
The Berlin Central School District welcomed back “remote learners” September 3, with a technology and material distribution day outside the elementary and middle-high school buildings.
Remote learning is one of three educational models BCSD is providing. BCSD classes—in person, remote and hybrid learning—will commence on September 10.
Berlin Middle-High School (BMHS) remote learners (about 30 percent of the students) were able to pick up their materials and technology required for the 2020-2021 school year. Staff at BMHS, including new principal Jodi Sullivan, greeted families, provided materials, and signed out technology to prepare students for their remote classrooms.
At the Berlin Elementary School (BES), Principal Tracy Kent, along with the BES remote teaching team, welcomed remote learners and their families. Along with requested technology, the BES remote teaching team, with the help of the BES PTO, provided prepared bags for each grade level.
These bags contained materials needed to make it a successful school year for young remote learners. BES Principal Kent is excited to welcome back the students to a new year of learning.
“Although you may be learning remotely, we are one school community, and we can’t wait to see you virtually,” said Principal Kent.
For more information about the different teaching models, how the district has been preparing to meet the challenges of this school year, and events at BCSD, please check out the website www.berlincentral.org.
The New Lebanon Central School District resumed in person learning on Wednesday, September 9, while the Brunswick District opens on Friday, September 11.