Several Silver Creek Central School teachers attend a recent board of education meeting during which they were granted tenure: Mark Bratcher, Jr. (social studies), Brennan Cooper (elementary), Kristin Foley (social studies), Aaron Johnson (science), Phillip McMullen (music), Meagan Postle (elementary) and Sara Tuccio (speech and hearing). Not pictured are Kiersten Roetzer (music) and Amy Seiders (physical education).

SILVER CREEK — Gov. Cuomo recently released specific criteria and protocols for reopening to all New York schools that must submit their plans by July 31.

“This is challenging at best,” said Silver Creek Central School Superintendent Todd Crandall. “You would not believe the microscopic level of detail that we’re paying attention to.”

Crandall, his administrative team and the taskforce, which is comprised of the school nurse, the school resource officer, members of the transportation department, union representatives and Seneca Nation of Indians representatives have been reviewing CDC recommendations and guidance from the state education and health departments.

Crandall explained, “Our number one priority is a safe return for students, faculty and staff, but how can we also be protective of students’ social and emotional well-being? How can we be effective academically with whatever setting we’re in?”

Three scenarios are likely, he said. The first is an in-person setting with social distancing guidelines. The second is online remote learning. Crandall added, “This is not our first choice because of the inherent difficulties like wireless connections.” The third and most likely setting is a combination of in-person and online remote learning.

Currently, the district is exploring a model in which all elementary students (PreK through grade five) return to school for daily in-person instruction. “We know through experience and research that a student that’s fifth grade or younger can’t do remote learning on their own,” Crandall said. He explained that some families experienced technical difficulties with the school-issued iPads but that the overarching concern involves direct instruction that young learners need, as they do not yet have the educational foundation of older students.

“I would also say that it’s neither fair nor practical for Mom and Dad to dedicate a few hours each day to school work,” he said. “I recognize they have homes and families to take care of, and many have returned to work. There is a childcare factor that is real.”

Crandall and the taskforce recognize the need for social distancing if elementary students return for daily in-person instruction. “We’d be dividing our elementary classes basically in half,” Crandall said. “We’d set up the class with desks six feet apart, and students would also wear masks where distancing can’t be maintained, like in the hallways or on buses.”

In terms of instruction, Crandall said support staff who are state-certified educators, such as AIS teachers, would help teach the divided classes. Although their availability for providing additional support would be limited, Crandall pointed out that they will be able to deliver more individualized instruction as they will be teaching a much smaller class. Other changes include closing drinking fountains and providing water bottles, and allowing students to eat lunch in their classroom.

For middle and high school students, the district is considering a blended model in which students attend school on an “A day” and do online remote learning at home on a “B day.” Crandall said, “Coming to school is when students would receive direct instruction and create a checkpoint with the teacher. The homework they would receive for B day would pertain to what they learned in school.”

What is the biggest challenge to in-person teaching? “Transportation is a nightmare,” said Crandall. “A large 66-passenger bus is permitted to carry 22 students. In any scenario, we’re going to be promoting students to walk to school who can and encourage parents to drop off and pick up.” The superintendent emphasized that the school will provide transportation to all students who need it. However, social distancing will likely create more bus runs and possibly staggered start times.

While the concerns are many and varied, Crandall said flexibility is key. “This situation is very, very complicated, but it’s also very fluid. Plans are evolving daily because of different guidance and updates on a virus that’s evolving across our country daily,” he said. “What I want everyone to know is safety, health and well-being are everyone’s top priorities for our students, families, faculty and staff.”

Crandall was pleased to report that the capital project is on track to be completed by August 30. He looks forward to sharing more details about this and the complete plan for re-opening during the July 30 school board meeting. Any member of the public is welcome to join via Zoom by accessing the link on the district’s website.