America Rebuilding: Changes for fall classes to encourage safety, distancing

Distance learning could continue for students throughout high schools and colleges.

Distance learning could continue to be a part of education, in a hybrid model that rotates students in classrooms to better socially distance.

Colleges could opt to begin classes late.

Colleges could opt to send students home early rather than allow them to return after Thanksgiving break.

Ask any college president or public school superintendent, and most will give a similar combination of answers for what will happen this fall:

Options are on the table; instruction from New York State will impact decisions; discussions are ongoing.

And, most agree changes will be needed to ensure cleanliness and safety in an environment that typically has encouraged physical interaction between dozens of students in enclosed classrooms.

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“Since the course of the pandemic is unclear at this time, we are planning for a variety of possible scenarios in an effort to take a thoughtful and safe approach as we prepare to adapt quickly to this evolving situation,” SUNY New Paltz Communications Director Melissa Kaczmarek said of the school’s plans for the fall. She said the college will follow the guidance of state, federal and local agencies when it comes to protocols for re-opening. “Our primary responsibility will always be to ensure that all students have a safe learning environment.”

The coronavirus pandemic has created an uncertain situation for colleges hoping to retain students, and incoming freshmen. Some have said they may opt to forgo enrolling in their planned school if the possibility exists they may simply be distance learning from home, and instead attend a semester or more of community college.

Some schools, such as Binghamton and Syracuse, have said they will open in late August. But, the state has said in-person restrictions placed statewide will apply to the schools and announcing opening dates would be premature.

Locally, school districts remain in the dark regarding Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plans for public schools in the fall; all summer school classes will be held online.

Most area colleges have either declined to discuss what the fall will bring or have said it’s still not clear. Vassar College, however, last laid out a detailed look at the possible measures that may be taken. An advisory committee, named VassarTogether, is developing guidelines for “a potential return to largely in-person classes on campus this fall.”

Vassar considers steps

Vassar President Elizabeth Bradley, in announcing the steps, said, "students would not be able to leave campus to go into New York City, Poughkeepsie, Arlington, or anywhere off campus (except in extraordinary circumstances and emergencies)." 

Bradley, a member of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's NY Forward Reopening Advisory Committee, said in release she remains "optimistic that our students’ return to campus in the fall will be possible... Life on campus will not look the same as it did pre-pandemic, but we believe it will still be enjoyable and meaningful.”

Possible changes to campus life include:

• Staggered drop-off days to limit density as students return.
• Students would be tested for COVID-19 on campus at least twice in the first 14 days after arrival. Those experiencing symptoms would be tested immediately. Students who tested positive would be housed in a separate dormitory area. Food would be brought to the student, who would access classes remotely.
• All students would take their temperature and report any symptoms daily.
• Socializing would be kept to a minimum in the beginning, with masks and social distancing required.
• Some faculty could continue to teach remotely as needed.
• Students with health risks living on campus could access classes remotely. Students with health or logistic issues that keep them home could also take online classes. 
• Students might remain on campus through October break and complete in-person classes by Thanksgiving break, with remaining classes and exams completed remotely from home.

As time progressed, Bradley said, "We would seek to open up more, and students could socialize and eat together in small groups."

Public school changes

Schools in New York have been closed since March. Districts around the county have been engaging in distance learning online and are moving toward wrapping up the year. Whether the fall will likewise bring more online classes remains to be seen.

Hyde Park Central School District Superintendent Greer Rychick said she has developed a task force and a committee that is reviewing guidelines released by the county and department of health, but until she is given a clear idea of what protocols are in place, the district is reluctant to predict what classrooms will look like going forward.

Beacon Superintendent Matt Landahl said the district is looking at what a different model of learning may be possible come fall.

He said class schedules could be staggered, with students blending in-person and distance learning. Landahl said he is looking to involve the community to find creative ways to adapt to an evolved education system after the pandemic.

“Instead of me coming up with a plan myself, we want to engage the staff and the community on how to engage the community ourselves,” he said.

Possibilities to prepare for

• Schools will likely be offering “hybrid models,” where some students are in classrooms and others are online.
• Students could attend class for half-days or every other day to keep down the number of people in the building.
• Classrooms and lecture halls might be rearranged to keep students six feet apart.
• There may be new, strict sanitation policies, in classrooms, common spaces and on buses.

Journal writer John W. Barry contributed to this report. Katelyn Cordero: kcordero@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4870; Twitter: @KatelynCordero.