Lawrence Onward #4

This week the New York State Education Department extended the date for Districts to submit their reopening plans. Plans are now due August 7th which is in line with the expected announcement from the Governor directing school districts on which model they can open under. Please know that all members of Lawrence staff are working on every aspect of the plan to ensure the safest learning environments for our children. We are grateful to the administration, teachers, community and support staff for adding their expertise to this difficult task.

The survey sent out by the reopening committee received responses from 58% of public school families. The results showed mixed level of comfort with each of the three instructional models required by the State. At the current time, we are awaiting guidance if a fully remote model can be offered. With social distancing guidelines in place, a full in-person model is very unlikely to be announced by the Governor. Further information on the hybrid model ( mix of live in- person and remote) will be released shortly.

28% very Comfortable, 36% not at all comfortable

This model would only be able to be implemented if guidance changes on socially distancing requirements.

23% very comfortable, 32% not comfortable

This new model required by the state combines instructional methods and maintains social distancing in the school buildings.

39% very comfortable, 26% not comfortable

Changes to the way in which remote instruction took place in the spring would take place using a full remote model.

The graph below looks at all responses by comfort level and instructional delivery method.

The guidelines for social distancing on a school bus are one of the many challenges in the planning process. At a six foot distance, a full size school bus can only fit eleven students. Further information on busing will be sent. In the graphs below blue indicates yes.

Lawrence is committed to educational excellence and allowing each and every learner to reach for success. We are proud of the 111 students who are taking place in the summer virtual credit recovery program. On time graduation requires students to pass their classes and regent exams. This program will allow these students to stay on the path to an on time graduation! Need to recover credits? Email creditrecovery@lawrence.org.

Reading on grade level is vital to academic success. As such, Lawrence began a new reading program to support learners that were below grade level performance. Under the direction of our teachers, these learners are participating virtually on their District Chromebooks. Keep Reading !

Lawrence has extended the licenses for district programs in reading and math for the summer months. We encourage daily sign in to the Myon reading accounts and IXL math program. Daily work in reading and math on your Chromebooks will keep you prepared for the new school year, whichever model of instruction takes place.

Stay in good academic shape during these difficult times.

Dr. Ann Pedersen

Superintendent of Schools