Lockport City School District
A Message from Superintendent Bradley
COVID-19 Update
Four Day In-Person Instructional Model
April 15, 2021
This message is to provide an update to the in-person instructional model for students in the Lockport City School District. On Friday, April 9, 2021, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) released new COVID-19 guidance for schools. These changes allow for an increased capacity for in-person instruction by reducing social distancing to three-feet in the classroom, under certain conditions set forth in the Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During COVID-19 Global Health Emergency.
The district has been proactively planning over the last few weeks in anticipation of changes to guidance. On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, the LCSD Board of Education was provided with a summary of the parent survey results and an update to school guidance by the New York State Department of Health, and discussed the next step for how to proceed in moving to a four day in-person instructional model. As a result, an opportunity for community input and comments related to the return to a four day in-person instructional model will be provided during the virtual Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 between 6pm and 7pm. Details for how to participate virtually will be posted on the district’s website on Monday, April 19, 2021. In addition, a review of bus schedules, meal service, and staffing adjustments is taking place.
Information about the proposed plan for a four day in-person instructional model is provided below.
Proposed Changes to LCSD's Instructional Plan
PreK-6 Elementary Students (JP, AM, CU, GS, RK, and EBIS)
Hybrid (Blue and Gold Cohort) Elementary Students to attend in-person four (4) days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) with a projected/no earlier start date of Monday, May 3, 2021 for students in PreK-6 (JP, AM, CU, GS, RK, EBIS)
With the proposed four day in-person instructional model for elementary students, the Remote Wednesday schedule would remain in place to allow for enhanced cleaning measures when necessary, professional and curriculum development time for teachers and administrators, and individual teacher/student contact opportunities.
To allow PreK-6 teachers to prepare for the shift to the four day in-person instructional model, there would be no Google Meets for PreK-6 students on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 and Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Students would be provided with asynchronous learning assignments for the day while teachers utilize the time for planning and collaboration.
7-12 Secondary Students (LHS, LHSWCC, and NPJHS)
Return to Four Day Instructional Model Date on Hold
At this time, due to the CDC-defined “High Level of Transmission” in Niagara County and pursuant to the guidance set forth by the NYSDOH, middle and high schools are required to maintain six-feet of social distancing in the classroom and will not be able to return to a four day in-person instructional model at this time. A plan for secondary schools to return to four days of in-person instruction would be reviewed when our region reaches the benchmark set by the NYSDOH in updated guidance.
This past year certainly has been a very trying time for many people. On behalf of the LCSD Board of Education, thank you to all students, parents/legal guardians, classroom, special area, and substitute teachers, support staff members, administrators, clerical, custodial, and maintenance department members, nurses, bus drivers, cafeteria monitors, and volunteers for your endless dedication, patience, compassion, and teamwork with managing the pandemic. The days have been draining but we must have faith in the future.
Remember to practice social distancing, wear a face covering, wash your hands frequently, and monitor your health regularly. Stay safe and be well.
Lockport City School District
Website: www.lockportschools.org
Location: 130 Beattie Avenue, Lockport, NY, USA
Phone: 716-478-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/LockportCitySchoolDistrict
Twitter: @LockportSchools