Ready for the opening: what awaits students of New York schools in classes and at recess

In a pandemic, schoolchildren will be forced to adhere to a number of new and incomprehensible rules. About how one of the New York schools is preparing for the opening, and what awaits its students, said in the video clip of the publication "Voice of America".

Baldwin High School is almost ready to open its doors to students.

The head of the school district, Shari Kamgi, spoke about how this school will work in a pandemic. Here are the main changes for students: Hand sanitizers are available in every classroom; desks are placed at a distance of almost two meters from each other; there are special inscriptions on the floor and on the walls to remind you to wear masks and wash your hands.

Maintaining social distance is another rule for students. For this reason, the school banned the use of lockers for storing personal belongings - near them children usually gather in large groups. So children will carry notebooks, books and other things with them.

The fountains with water located on the territory of the educational institution were turned off. Instead, they installed special fillers in which children can draw water into their own cups or bottles.

The elementary school student will study five days a week at school or from home. High school students will study in a hybrid model: two or three days in class, the rest of the days from home. “We were able to plan everything for the primary school students,” Kamgi said. "But given the number of high school students, we cannot provide the necessary distance, so they will be trained in a hybrid model."

On the subject: New York schools will switch to blended learning in the fall: the essence of innovation

High school students and parents say that this option suits them.

Janaye, who is in grade 10, said she plans to attend school two days a week and the rest of the time remotely. “We are happy with the plan presented by the district and I am not worried about her going back to school,” said the girl's mother.

Educators across New York State believe that in-person school attendance is essential for the normal development of children. “I think we are all ready to return. We miss each other, human relationships are important to us, - said the head of the school district. - We learn a lot from each other. The value of classroom learning cannot be underestimated. "

New York authorities have already warned that the opening of schools is entirely dependent on the prevalence of coronavirus among the population.

As previously wrote ForumDaily New York:

• New York City Department of Education published calendar for the upcoming school year... According to the document, the academic year starts on Monday, September 21.
• Recall that in the fall, schools in New York will resume their work. But they will function in a new way: students will be able to attend classes several days a week, the rest of the time they will study online. You can learn more about this by going to here to register:.
• Earlier, the mayor of New York refused to postpone the opening of schools in the city, but promised that there will be a certified nurse in each educational institution.