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Fair Merrick schools hold community forums to discuss reopening plans
The Merrick Union Free School District’s three community forums, held Aug. 17-20, were welcomed by the community as the reopening of schools draws near. The forums delivered important information, addressed community questions and alleviated stress regarding the upcoming school year.
The first two sessions focused on the district’s in-person education model, and offered parents a strong overview of what to expect within the first two weeks.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, the district has opted for a “phased-in approach,” which, according to Superintendent Dr. Dominick Palma, will allow for a smooth transition back to the classrooms.
During the first two weeks, starting on Sept. 8, students throughout the district will be divided into cohorts and alternate between in-person instruction and remote learning. All students will return to full-time, in-person instruction on Sept. 21.
The third forum, held virtually on Aug. 20, focused on the district’s Alternate Voluntary Remote Program, which was created for parents and guardians who were unable to or uncomfortable with sending their children back to school. The district is requiring those who opt in to the remote program to do so for a full trimester to ensure continuity of learning.
Under the remote model, students will receive two hours of live instruction per day and will benefit from recorded lessons and daily independent activities. All core subjects and social-emotional lessons will be aligned with that of the in-person curriculum.
“I have total confidence that whether your child is in the in-person program or in the remote program, our administrators and staff will deliver an education that will be comparable to anything you could expect in the best school districts in our community,” Palma said.
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The Merrick Union Free School District held two community forums on Aug. 17 and 18 to discuss the in-person learning model for the 2020-21 school year.
The reopening community forum, held virtually on Aug. 20, focused on the districts Alternate Voluntary Remote program.
Provided by the Merrick School District; compiled by Alyssa Seidman.
