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Remote Learning

The Harborfields Reopening Plan for the 2020-21 school year, addresses all instructional models including in-person, hybrid, and online/remote learning. While we are prepared to open schools under any one of the instructional models (in-person, hybrid, or remote), it is understood that we must also be prepared to shift back to a fully remote learning model should circumstances change and school buildings are required to close.

Remote instruction will include a combination of daily synchronous instruction using Google Meet and asynchronous instruction using Google Classroom and other software applications. All students will have access to their assigned NYS certified teachers for their instruction. All instruction will align with the outcomes of the NYS learning standards. The teacher planning the lessons will be mindful of the amount of time students are involved in screen time.

Regardless of instructional model, daily teacher/student engagement will be monitored by the Teacher of Record and recorded through Infinite Campus. If students are not engaged in remote learning, staff will continue to outreach parents/guardians in a variety of methods. As needed, building administration will be included in communicating with families through additional means. Support will be provided to parents/guardians to address the barriers to attendance for in-person learning.

At this time, based on the results of the parent survey, the district is anticipating approximately 25% of the student population to choose a fully remote instructional model.

Grades K-6
For all instructional models, the daily academic schedule will be followed which consists of 40-minute instructional blocks at the elementary level with all instruction aligned to New York State Standards. Any instruction done remotely will emphasize live contact time with each student’s assigned certified teacher to insure that students receive high quality, rigorous, standards based instruction in all subject areas. During remote and hybrid instructional models, students who are participating remotely will receive live synchronous instruction from their assigned NY State certified teacher. This live instruction will be supported by asynchronous instruction in the form of pre-recorded instructional videos and other software applications. All students will have ample opportunity to get feedback and support from their assigned teacher.

Grades 7-12
Regardless of instructional model, the daily academic schedule will be followed which consists of 40 or 45-minute instructional blocks at the secondary level with all instruction aligned to New York State Standards. Any instruction done remotely will emphasize live contact time with each student’s assigned certified teacher to insure that students receive high quality, rigorous, standards based instruction in all subject areas. During remote and hybrid instructional models, students who are participating remotely will receive live synchronous instruction from their assigned NY State certified teacher. This live instruction will be supported by asynchronous instruction in the form of pre-recorded instructional videos and other software applications. All students will have ample opportunity to get feedback and support from their assigned teacher.

Digital Equity and Access K - 12
All students enrolled in a Harborfields school will have access to the internet and a device in order to meaningfully participate in remote learning.

  • Internet access: The school district utilized student, staff, and parent surveys to identify those students and staff in need of high-speed internet access. These families were provided with devices that automatically connect to high-speed WiFi hotspots throughout our community and in their homes ensuring equitable access to remote instruction. This practice will continue for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Device access: The school district will supply each child with exclusive access to a Chromebook device in a remote learning environment. Teachers will also be provided with a device for their use.
  • Technology support from home: The district has developed a virtual help desk previously only available to staff that will now be available to students and parents for support with district provided hardware and software.



Closing Inequity Gaps
The district will remain mindful and proactively address inequities to the greatest extent possible, including by not limited to, the following supports:

  • The reopening plan has been posted to the district’s website in a manner that will allow for families and the community to utilize Google Translate.
  • All students enrolled in the district will have access to school meals each school day, regardless of whether they are in attendance or learning remotely.
  • All students enrolled will have access to the internet and a device.
  • At the secondary level, the following exceptions have been made to the hybrid model to maximize in-person time for students:
    • Special Classes (12:1:2) will be held in person each day of the week, Monday through Friday.
    • In addition to attending in person and online instruction with their cohort, English Language Learners (ELLs) will receive transportation to and from school on Wednesdays to participate in remote learning in a supervised setting at school. ENL teachers will provide all ENL services in person for their students.
    • Students identified as homeless or unaccompanied minors will attend school for in person instruction Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday, these students will receive transportation to and from school on Wednesdays to participate in remote learning in a supervised setting at school.