NSCSD School Reopening Information for Families

North Syracuse, August 11, 2020 - As the North Syracuse Central School District prepares to open school buildings using a Hybrid Instructional Model and to offer a remote learning option for the fall of 2020-2021, it will conduct a series of online parent forums to answer questions. Sessions will take place on  August 13, August 17 and August 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.  All sessions will be live-streamed and recorded so parents can watch live and/or view at their convenience. Individual live-stream links are posted on the District’s website and online calendar.
 
The District is asking parents and guardians to submit their questions online ahead of time so that they can be grouped and answered appropriately. Parents can submit their questions online by clicking here. In addition to answering questions during the livestream, they will also be posted on the District website and may be considered in the District’s reopening plan as appropriate. Questions must be submitted by noon on the day of the meeting.

The District will provide an informational session for teachers on August 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. Staff should submit their questions in advance using a separate online form that can be accessed by clicking here. 
 
North Syracuse Central School District’s Superintendent of Schools Daniel D. Bowles said, “While we have already submitted our initial reopening plan to the state, the document is meant to be flexible and fluid.  We continue to work on many of the topics included and some parts of the plan will be updated throughout the school year.”
 
“We are committed to hearing from our families and staff and using the best information possible to make our plan work for everyone,” Bowles continued.

Click here to view the District's COVID-19 Resources website. 
 

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North Syracuse, August 7, 2020 – In accordance with New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement today that schools will be allowed to open for in-person learning this fall, the North Syracuse Central School District is moving forward with its reopening plan. The District released its initial reopening plan on July 30 and is updating its FAQ website daily.  
 
With today’s announcement, the NSCSD will be able to proceed with their schedule for a hybrid instructional model, which limits in-person attendance to ensure the health and safety of students and staff in relation to COVID-19. Details about the District’s proposed hybrid instructional models can be found online by clicking here.
 
In an effort to provide flexibility for parents/guardians who have health concerns for their child(ren) or other household members, the District is also offering the option of 100% remote learning. Parents/guardians who would like to select the remote learning option will need to complete an online form by August 19 in order for the District to accurately identify the number of students who will need daily remote instruction in September.


Christopher R. Leahey, Ed.D., the District’s Associate Superintendent from Teaching and Learning, is asking families to complete their requests as soon as possible saying, “The numbers will directly impact staffing assignments, class rosters and will enable us to better meet the health and safety requirements in our schools.”
 
In today’s press briefing, Governor Cuomo also asked districts to provide the following clarifying information to families by August 14:

• Here is how we will do remote learning, and how we will address equity issues.
• Here is how we will do coronavirus testing, with specifics.
• Here is how we will do contract tracing is someone tests positive for the virus.

 
The North Syracuse Central School District will post these additional details on its COVID-19 Resources website by the deadline.
 

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July 30, 2020 - NSCSD Releases Reopening Document

On July 30, 2020, the North Syracuse Central School District released its initial reopening plans to address the safe reentry to schools this fall. In creating the plan, the District relied on industry-specific guidelines provided by the New York State Department of Health as well as guidance from the New York State Education Department. The plan is comprised of the collaborative work of more than 100 District stakeholders coming together through the NSCSD Re-Entry Committee and its five subgroups: Instructional Operations, Proactive Infection, Social and Emotional Wellness, Workplace Safety and Communications.

Additionally, the District sought feedback through a community survey, which was administered from July 17-24. The District is in the process of compiling survey feedback into a report which will be made public on its website after it has been reviewed by the Board of Education. 

In a letter to the community, North Syracuse Central School District Superintendent of Schools Daniel D. Bowles, thanked stakeholders for their input and patience saying, "Our process started back in May and has been a tremendous collaborative effort. Over the last several months we have been creating a re-entry plan that gets our students back in the classroom feeling safe and supported." 

Superintendent Bowles acknowledged that the plan may not meet the needs of all families but stressed that it would be revised in accordance with state and local guidance. "The plan is designed to be modified as necessary. Flexibility is a key part of all planning and changes will be clearly communicated," he said.

Click here to view the NSCSD Reopening Plan online.  

Click here to view the District's COVID-19 Resources webpage. 

Click here for the August 3, 2020 FAQ sheet.

Click here to submit an online request for remote learning services.