District to switch to remote learning on ’emergency days’
They used to be called ‘snow days’. Now, they’re called ‘emergency days’.
And, Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District students don’t have any left. From now on, when an emergency day is called, all students — prekindergarten through twelfth grade — will be expected to stay home, but also to attend virtual classes.
It’s “to maintain the continuity of instruction and prevent the loss of valuable instructional days in the upcoming months”, Superintendent of Schools Michael McElduff said in a letter home to families last week
The district started the school year with five of those days built into its calendar. As of Monday, O’Neill High School has utilized five emergency days, whereas the Fort Montgomery Elementary School and Highland Falls Intermediate School have utilized three emergency days.
McElduff said, “In the event of another emergency closure day, whether it be weather-related or otherwise, we have decided to implement a remote learning plan across all schools in our district. This decision has been made after careful consideration of the current circumstances and in alignment with our commitment to ensuring the continuity of education for our students. It is also in accordance with the recent mandate from the State Education Department (SED) requiring all districts to have remote learning plans.”
To clarify, the superintendent said: “To streamline operations and ensure clarity, it has been determined that transitioning to remote learning for all three buildings will be the most suitable course of action going forward. This adjustment will facilitate seamless coordination district-wide.”
McElduff said each building in the district has developed a comprehensive plan to support remote learning.
“Our dedicated educators have been working diligently to create engaging and effective online learning experiences tailored to the unique needs and requirements of each grade level. We aim to provide a seamless transition from in-person to remote learning.”
He added that families would receive information from their child’s school about what remote days will look like. And, he said he knows it may be a challenge for some families.
“We recognize that the shift to remote learning may pose difficulties, and we are dedicated to offering the essential assistance needed for a seamless transition,” he said. “Our team of educators, staff, and leaders will be accessible to aid students and their families as they acclimate to this temporary modification in the learning setting. And let me reiterate, remote learning will only be employed if it is deemed unsafe to resume in-person schooling, i.e. weather concerns, heating issues, etc.”
