As we prepare for the 2020-21 school year, we will be moving forward with a blended learning model: 

1. Students in grades K-2, special education students, ELL students, and students with social emotional or mental health concerns will attend school in person four days each week. 
2. All other students (grades 3-12) will be assigned to color designated teams to attend school in person two days per week and online three days per week.  
3. In partnership with community agencies, upper classmen may attend (in-person or virtually) to attain their credits required for graduation and will supplement their learning experience with community-based internships. 
4. All instruction is standards based, with an emphasis on social emotional learning at every grade level. Cross curricular project-based learning and assessment will be emphasized. 
5. Each student will be assigned a Cuba-Rushford Ally (CRA) with whom they will connect at least twice weekly.  
6. Extra-curricular activities will continue in a solely virtual model and phase into an in-person model when possible. All designated teams will be honored in extra-curricular grouping.  
   

This decision (blended-learning model) was made to best support the needs of students and families while following all social-distancing, health and safety, and cleaning guidelines.  

Based on educational research, developmental needs of students, and recommendations from the New York State Education Department, we are maximizing in person instruction for our youngest learners (Pre-K -2), special education students, and English language learners. Students in this model will be split into teams designated by color, with approximately half the grade level attending on specific days. These groupings will be driven by household and transportation needs and will be communicated to families by mid-August. Once teams are assigned, students will not be able to change. 

As we prepare to reopen, and regardless of the learning scenario, we will be guided by the following school values:  

Providing a Safe and Caring Learning Environment
The health, safety, and well-being of everyone in our school community will continue to be our top priority as we bring students back to school. We will be wearing masks, practicing social distancing and implementing other protocols to promote health and safety in our classrooms, hallways, buses, and facilities. We will also continue to center our efforts on supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students.  

Unwavering Focus on Learning
Despite the complexity of our current circumstances, the schedules that we have developed for our students are all centered on and designed to provide a focus on learning for our students. We will continue to deliver our curriculum and plan creatively to ensure that we are preparing students to be lifelong learners who are independent, involved, and conscientious citizens in a global community. 

Collaboration, Leadership, and Pride 
As a school district, we pride ourselves in our determination to be a regional model of excellence.  Our commitment to that vision remains steadfast during this difficult time.  Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we collaborate with families and community members to create an epic experience for our students.  As the saying goes, “It takes a village!” 

As we head into this unprecedented school year, we must continue to be supportive and cooperative in order to create a safe and caring learning environment that is not only effective and engaging, but is also flexible enough to adjust as conditions change in our area. We will continue to actively monitor local, state, and national health agencies and will use the Center for Disease Control guidelines as we prepare to safely reopen school. As evidenced throughout this difficult situation, the fluidity of the pandemic will require all of us to remain patient, understanding, and flexible. Take comfort in knowing that our amazing school community will get through this together.