Pioneer superintendent Benjamin Halsey said the district plans a hybrid instruction model should school resume this fall.
Mr. Halsey shared that news in an automated message to parents July 28.
"Today, I am calling with an update on the re-opening plan for the school district. I know how stressful this situation is for everyone. I do appreciate your extreme patience during this difficult time. Please know, we are doing all we can to provide a learning environment that is safe and healthy for all students and staff – while at the same time allowing for a school day that is… as normal as possible.
ABOVE: Ms. Schaper's Pioneer Middle School classroom is ready should school resume.
"A perfect plan does not exist; as the parameters we must follow are very strict. I will share some basic information with you now, and will frequently update everyone by message, school website, school app, and social media, until we open the doors in September.
"Because of the size of Pioneer’s enrollment, and the 6 feet social distancing requirement, Pioneer will begin the school year with a hybrid model of re-opening for student attendance. This means 50 percent of our students will be on campus at one time, while the other half will be learning remotely. Our model will divide our students into two groups. Group A will come to school all day on Monday and Tuesday, and group B will come to school on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be a remote learning day for all students. Students of the same families will be scheduled to attend the same days.
ABOVE: A classroom at Arcade is shown with desks 6 feet apart.
"We do have some exceptions to this hybrid model. UPK students, Kindergarten students, and many of our self-contained special education classrooms will be attending campus every day. We are exploring a half-day model for our pre-k and kindergarten classrooms to accommodate seeing all students, every day. Additionally, our high school Career Tech students will be able to attend the BOCES center every day for instructional program.
"This model meets the parameters for transportation, social distancing on campus, and allows students to experience the core curriculum, electives, physical education, and all our classes in the arts, including band, orchestra, and chorus. Most importantly – it allows for students to remove their masks while seated at their instructional space in each classroom. We have displayed pictures of our staged classrooms so you can view the safe distancing parameters that allows students to learn safely without a mask on.
ABOVE: The Pioneer High School classroom of Mr. Shanahan has desks at appropriate distance for students to return.
"However – please note…all students will have to wear a mask on the bus, and moving about the building when a 6-feet social distance cannot be maintained.
"Details continue to be worked out. The large district committee is working hard to move forward as quickly as we can. Those details will be shared as soon as they are available. Thank you for your feedback on our survey, and the continued support and patience .