ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. (NCC News) — This month marks one full year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, and thus, one year of remote and hybrid learning. Many local parents are eager to get their kids back into the classroom full-time.
This week, Onondaga Country executive Ryan McMahon is expected to announce whether school districts can reduce social distancing from six to three feet. This would mean that more students would be allowed in the classroom at once and open up the possibility to have in-person teaching all five days of the week.
On Tuesday, March 3, two infectious disease experts from Upstate Medical University came out in support of the reduced social distancing. Dr. Stephen Thomas, chief of the infectious disease branch, and Dr. Jana Shaw, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, told the Syracuse Post-Standard that little spread of the virus has been linked to schools in Central New York. Since the 2020-21 school year began, less than 3% of in-person students in the Syracuse City School District have tested positive.
However, they also stressed that reduced social distancing would only work if the districts were to continue to strictly follow mask-wearing and handwashing rules.
The North Syracuse Central School District, which recently added two days of in-person learning for students in grades 7 through 12, is polling parents about the potential new guidelines. They were asked to fill it out once per child before Wednesday, March 3.
- “If social distancing restrictions are reduced to fewer than 6-feet, the District would likely be able to offer addition in-person learning days. Would you be comfortable sending your child to school for in-person learning? Masks would still be required.”
- If social distancing restrictions are reduced, would you be comfortable utilizing District transportation for your child? Masks would still be required.”
Click here to view the whole survey.
SCSD also sent a survey to parents Tuesday afternoon asking similar questions, and saying they want to offer four to five days of in-person learning for grades PreK-8. Click here to view the whole survey for grades PreK-8 and here for the high school survey.
The Syracuse Teachers Association is skeptical of the change. The union released a statement that said, “While we all want students back for in-person learning, there are many health and safety concerns and questions, as well as logistical concerns noted by the membership that will need to be addressed in order to ensure a safe return.”
STA said it will hold focus groups this week to identify concerns from those working in the classrooms, and then present those concerns to the superintendent, department heads, other district leaders and the school board.
Currently, in Onondaga County, LaFayette, Fabius-Pompey and the Jordan-Elbridge school districts are open for in-person learning five days a week. East Syracuse-Minoa, Lyncourt and Skaneateles are open five days a week for elementary students.
