Dear Parents,
We are grateful for your patience, openness, and partnership as we develop our school plan for September. We have seen our community embrace the value of Elu v’Elu, being open to various perspectives, as we all learn to navigate this new world together.
During the first phase of the pandemic, we were limited to distance learning. Now, we have a plan for in-person learning, enhanced distance learning should that be necessary, and a remote streaming option for in-person learning. As we are still in a pandemic situation, we face many challenges.
Ensuring the health and safety of our children and staff and following state guidelines requires that we set limits on class sizes and space allocation for our students, thus limiting the number of students allowed in the building at one time.
These are challenges that all schools are facing as they finalize their reopening plans. We acknowledge that this plan asks a lot of our families and want you to know that we will be your partners, sharing the challenges with you.
As you will see in
the reopening plan
, we are prepared to return in September with a reduced density (smaller groups and physical distancing) model that includes lower school learning in-person Monday-Fridays and middle school in a hybrid model that includes in-person and distance learning. We will also have a Remote Streaming Option for our In-Person Learning program for families who are not comfortable having their child return to school or for when a child is home due to illness. If you would like to select the Remote Streaming Option for In-Person Learning,
please complete this form
by August 3rd.
We will continue to prepare for this reduced density model and also for a full distance learning program so that we can nimbly adjust to any shifts in health and safety guidance that may emerge before the fall or during the school year ahead.
Our reopening plan was created as a direct response to guidelines from and consultation with the CDC; New York State Department of Health; NYS Association of Independent Schools; medical, health, and education professionals; and our own COVID-19 Task Group.
As was the case during the past school year, our approach will be informed, but not determined by the New York City Department of Education. We also had to take into consideration factors specific to Senesh, including physical plant, transportation, and staffing. It is important to us that we share this plan with you so that you can be as prepared as possible for the start of school.
Please understand that this plan reflects where we are
today
and
changes might occur as we learn new information about the virus weekly.
We will continue to receive updated guidance including an expected announcement by Governor Cuomo during the first week in August as to whether or not schools will be allowed to open. We will be transparent and continue to keep you informed along the way.
Please take 15 minutes to read this plan fully
, which contains important information about:
- Teaching and Learning Considerations
- Physical Distancing
- Movement in the Building
- Visitors and Gatherings
- School Hours, Arrival, and Dismissal
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Hygiene and Disinfection Policies and Protocols
- Health Monitoring
- Transportation
- Social and Emotional Support
- Orientation
- How to Talk to Your Children
- Answers to FAQs
We believe that our plan will provide our children with an educational program that aligns with our mission and values;
a joyful and engaging learning experience while supporting the social and emotional needs of our students.
We will communicate with you again in mid-August with greater details,
including pod groupings, schedules, a comprehensive explanation of our health and safety protocols, updated, orientation and opening day plans, and additional school requirements and recommendations to ensure the health and safety of our community.
As our school value states, “we embrace life as a continuous journey of learning and growing.” I am grateful to be on this journey with you.
Warm regards,
