Elmont, Sewanhaka S.D.'s to stay open during spring break

Posted

The Elmont and Sewanhaka school districts will remain open during their scheduled Spring Breaks next week, officials recently wrote to parents and guardians.

The decision came after Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order extending school closures until April 15. The order directed school district officials across New York to use up all of their remaining snow and vacation days to meet the state’s 180-day instruction requirement, Elmont Superintendent Al Harper wrote in a letter to parents on April 2. Additionally, the executive order states, “districts must continue to provide remote instruction for students, meals for students, and childcare for essential workers every weekday between April 1, 2020 and April 14, 2020, even if the district is scheduled to be on Spring Break during that time.”

“I know this is an unexpected development, but we must follow the executive order,” Sewanhaka Superintendent James Grossane posted on the district’s website on March 31. “Therefore, remote instruction will continue through April 14, 2020.”

He added that the district will continue to receive guidance from the State Education Department as the coronavirus pandemic continues, and noted, “the governor has frequently stated in his daily briefings that decisions such as these will be made in two-week increments.”

Similarly, Harper said the Elmont School District will remain open next week, and will continue to serve students bagged breakfasts and lunches as well as provide childcare to essential employees at the Dutch Broadway School. However, he said, students will receive their meals for April 9 and 10 on Wednesday, April 8. 

“Please be advised, this is a time where directives and guidance from New York State can change rapidly,” Harper wrote, urging parents “to continue to visit the district’s website for the most up-to-date and recent information.”