At Sayville UFSD our primary commitment is to the students and families we serve. Our priority must be keeping them safe. When the 2020-2021 school year begins, in-person school will look much different than previous years due to COVID-19 and the health and safety measures that continue to evolve. This School Reopening Plan will define clear guidance for the reopening of our five schools and aligns with the regulations developed in collaboration with NYSDOH and the NYS Education Department.
The areas outlined in this plan represent the myriad of considerations Sayville UFSD will address to reopen schools safely and to sustain their safe operation. It is important to note that our plan retains a strong focus on academic instruction to enhance student performance and address learning loss. An emphasis on the social-emotional needs of our students is a priority and therefore have been addressed within our plan.
This plan includes procedures that will be followed in the following District Schools/Buildings (additional individual building information can be obtained from the District website at www.sayvilleschools.org
District Administration Building, Superintendent of Schools: Dr. John Stimmel
Sayville High School, Principal: Mr. Ron Hoffer
Sayville Middle School, Principal: Dr. Joseph Castoro
Cherry Avenue Elementary School, Principal: Dr. Lisa Ihne
Lincoln Avenue Elementary School, Principal: Ms. Christine Carlson
Sunrise Drive Elementary, Principal: Dr. James Foy
Sayville Technology Center, Director of Technology: Mr. William Seus
Garfield Maintenance Facility, Grounds Foreman: Mr. John Gaconnier
The health and safety of our students, our staff, and their families is our top priority. We have developed a plan that intends to ensure that students and employees feel comfortable and safe returning to school buildings. Our reopening plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
It is possible that we may need to alternate between in-person and remote learning throughout the year due to recommendations and guidance from our partnering agencies, and stay-at-home orders from the Governor. The level of infection, the spread of the virus and response to the disease in our community will be at the forefront of decision making as we move to open our schools.
It should be noted that the Governor’s Office will decide on reopening dates for PreK through Grade 12 schools in early August 2020.
Dr. John Stimmel will serve as the district’s COVID-19 Coordinator. He will serve as a central contact for schools and stakeholders, families, staff and other school community members and will ensure the district is in compliance and following the best practices per state and federal guidelines.
Of course, as with every plan being developed throughout New York State, this document is fluid and will change as necessary based on guidance from the state, CDC, and NYSED and in consideration of our families and our staff. We strongly believe the services described throughout this plan are in the best interests of our students, families, staff, and community.
Guiding Principles
The development of this plan was guided by and grounded in the following guiding principles:
1. Safeguarding the health and safety of students and staff;
2. Providing the opportunity for all students to access education in the fall;
3. Monitoring schools, students, and staff. When necessary, modifying schedules to appropriately contain COVID-19 spread;
4. Emphasizing equity, access, and support to the students and communities that are emerging from this historic disruption;
5. Fostering strong two-way communication with partners, such as families, educators, and staff;
6. Factoring into decision making the challenges to the physical safety, social emotional well-being, and the mental health needs of our students caused by school closure; and
7. Considering and supporting diversity in our schools and school districts as we provide education is essential.