The uncertainty around COVID-19 will require all of us to quickly and safely shift across the three different instructional scenarios - in-person, hybrid, and off-campus learning. Training, tools, and other support will be provided by the District to ensure these shifts are successful and that uninterrupted teaching and learning is maintained across the instructional scenarios.

• In-Person Learning: In this model, all students return in person to the school settings that are appropriately modified to accommodate the health and safety requirements according to the NYS Department of Health and NYS Education Department. Examples of modifications could include altered classroom configurations, setting up additional learning spaces, masks, social distancing and schedule changes.

• Hybrid Learning: A hybrid model means that students would alternate between in-person and off-campus learning. For example:

  • • Cohort A would attend in-person on Monday and Tuesday

    • 100% off-campus learning on Wednesday to allow for disinfecting of facilities

    • Cohort B would attend in-person on Thursday and Friday

• Off-Campus: In this model, all students would be required to learn remotely, in the event of school closure due to COVID-19

Cohorts A and B will be designed so families with children in multiple schools are in school on the same days.

• Families with multiple last names will default to the oldest student in the household’s last name.

• Adjustments to student assigned groups may be made as necessary for classroom size, bus capacity, or other reasons to achieve the desired goal of fewer students in school buildings.

The number of students per room is dependent on the square footage of each space, however spaces can only accommodate a maximum number of students while remaining distanced of at least 6 feet.

Cohort information will be shared during the week of August 17th

The Hamburg Central School District is committed to educating modern thinkers who create, care, solve, and discover by engaging students in learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning and empower each for their future, regardless of the learning environment. Rest assured that we will customize the learning experience to match the grade level and academic needs of your student.

At our core, we:

• honor every learner as a unique person and adapt to the needs each

• inspire the love of learning in every student

• ensure that our schools are places of innovative teaching and active learning

• are proud of our past and committed to our future

• ensure that our schools are safe, kind, and welcoming so that we make every day a great day to be a Hamburg Bulldog

We are in the process of creating Online Learning Schedules for students who will be learning online during the 2020-2021 school year. This means they chose the 100% Online Learning option instead of the In-Person Hybrid Learning Model. The District will provide a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for students that are vulnerable and/or uncomfortable in this model. A certified teacher will be assigned to provide this instruction.

More information will be posted here prior to the opening of school on Sept. 10, 2020.

Vulnerable Populations:

Families who feel that a student, or a member of the student’s household, is “vulnerable” according to the HCSD Reopening Guide and that their school program should be fully off-campus, must use the form below, to begin the process of enrolling in our online instructional program, which is different than Homebound Instruction or being home taught according to an IHIP( Individualized Home Instruction Plan).

Families who aren’t comfortable sending their child to school:

Despite our efforts to help families feel confident that sending their student(s) to school is safe, we are aware that there may be families who just don’t feel comfortable doing so. Families who prefer that their child’s school experience at this time be fully online can also enroll their child(ren) in our online instructional program by completing the form below.

In a 100% online learning model, we are committed to:

• having access to quality educational materials and to the support needed to successfully access those materials;

• having access to educational materials that align to State standards;

• supporting the whole child—including social emotional, academics, and safety; and

• communicating clear expectations.

• Be respectful and attentive to the needs of students and colleagues

• Ensure that all students have access to equitable educational opportunities.

• Work to communicate and support students with IEPs (Individualized Education Program) and Section 504 Plans.

• Practice consistent communication with students, families, and staff to understand how the health emergency is impacting them.

• Assessments will be utilized to help teachers, students, and families understand students’ strengths and learning needs as they enter school in the fall. These do not have to be formal and can support relationship building.

• Assessments throughout the year will be used to monitor student learning and make adjustments as needed. The use of formative assessments provide students an opportunity to reflect on their learning and teachers an opportunity to provide class, small group, and individual feedback

• Students will be graded in the 2020-2021 school year, and both students and staff will follow the district’s regular grading policy, rather than the grading policy that was modified during the spring school closure.

As Educators are implementing this 100% Online Learning model, they will…

• Meet district academic expectations and state level learning standards.

• Complete all required tasks, including taking “attendance,” providing instructional minutes, checking on students’ emotional well-being, and offering feedback on student learning.

• Be available to students and families.

• Collaborate with colleagues (Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Social Workers, Psychologists, Librarians, etc.) to address needs that arise along the way.

• Participate in required meetings with their building, grade level teams, and departments.

• Provide a range of meaningful learning opportunities and resources that engage and meet the needs of all learners.

• Connect families with educational resources and needed supports.

As students and families are participating in online learning, we need your help…

• Having students establish and follow regular daily routines to the greatest extent possible.

• Ensuring students get enough sleep.

• Designating a specific space to work on remote learning activities.

• Setting sensible time limits for students’ technology use.

• Communicating regularly.

• Completing assigned activities and reviewing student's assessments, feedback, and grades.

• Discussing online learning experiences and needs and communicating these with staff.