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Timeline: Preparing for Virtual Learning

Ensuring Effective Virtual Learning

The Harrison Central School District reopening plan ensures the safe return of students, faculty, and staff when schools reopen in September.  The Reopening Plan has been developed with the District’s core values in mind: Equity, Access, Adaptability and Rigor. There are many considerations, and we have explored them thoroughly and thoughtfully. Our plan is developed using past experience in consultation with stakeholder groups, including the Board of Education trustees, administrators, teachers and staff, PTA, parents, and medical health professionals. 

The District planning prioritized teachers interacting with their students in real-time, with a commitment to more synchronous learning for every student to ensure students have rich school experiences both in person and virtually. As required, the District submitted a complete Reopening Plan to New York State based on guidance from the New York State Departments of Health and Education, and we await further guidance before we are able to make final determinations about how schools will reopen. Governor Cuomo will make a final determination about the reopening of school in early August.

Information on this webpage will be updated as new information, guidance and research are available to improve the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty and staff, and to enhance the learning experience for students.

Guiding Principles and Priorities

Health and safety of students, faculty and staff.
Safety remains our highest priority for the members of our learning community. All decisions are based on guidance from the NY State Departments of Education and Health, the CDC and the Westchester County Department of Health.

Rigorous and equitable learning opportunities for all students in all modes of instruction.
The District leadership team has spent the summer preparing our faculty for the possibility of extended virtual learning by offering 70 courses in our Professional Development Program  to improve teacher skills and curriculum design for virtual learning. Continuity of learning will be preserved in every reopening scenario.

Maximize student/teacher interaction and support social-emotional learning for all students.
The District prioritizes teachers interacting with their students in real-time, and is committed to more synchronous learning for every student to ensure students have rich school experiences both in person and virtually. Additionally, social-emotional support from trained mental health professionals will be provided to ensure students’ readiness to return and ongoing well-being.