Dear Port Jervis Learning Community,
The faculty, staff and administration of Port Jervis City School District has been committed to providing the best educational experience for our students throughout this pandemic. These efforts are inclusive of providing the most in-person instruction and services possible, while remaining in compliance with the CDC, New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) guidelines and directives.
Over the past several weeks, we have been strongly advocating for our students to be able to return to school in increased numbers. We received a reply from the OCDOH on Thursday, February 25, 2021 indicating that moving forward, this is permissible as the NYSDOH guidelines are what is to be followed.
To this end, our Reopening Committee met this afternoon to discuss this primary objective. Specific to the discussion is the NYS guidance that students are to be separated physically by a distance of six feet apart or by physical barriers. As a result, we have ordered trifold polycarbonate desk partitions. These clear partitions will allow us to:
- All students that have selected in-person instruction will attend school four days per week (Wednesdays will remain a remote day and reevaluated at a later date);
- The cohort model will be eliminated;
- Students that select remote instruction can remain in remote, synchronous instruction.
The goal is to implement the following plan*:
- February 26, 2021 to March 3, 2021 - Parents complete the Return to School Survey
- March 8, 2021 - Grades K-2 returns to in-person instruction four days per week
- March 15, 2021 - Grades 3-8 return to in-person instruction four days per week
- March 22, 2021 - Grades 9-12 return to in-person instruction four days per week
- Again, those students who selected remote instruction may remain in remote, synchronous instruction
*The phased approach may be altered, if possible.
To assist with the necessary planning to bring this plan to fruition, please complete the Survey as soon as possible. If you are unable to complete the survey electronically or need assistance, please contact your child’s main office.
Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Sincerely,
Mike Rydell
Superintendent of Schools
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