First Day of school virtual, moves to hybrid on September 10

In a message to Akron Central School parents last week, Superintendent of Schools Patrick McCabe announced the first full student day Tuesday, September 8 will be remote for all students, rather than an in-person cohort in the building as previously planned.

“The return of students and staff to our campus feels like a light at the end of a long tunnel. We are truly excited to emerge from the months of planning and begin the vital work of teaching and learning!” McCabe wrote, “While parents, students and teachers will undoubtedly have many new challenges this year, I hope that we are able to view them as opportunities to work together and create meaningful solutions. Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our students, staff and visitors have been the centerpiece of our reopening plan and at the forefront of the decision-making process.”

Wednesday, September 9 remains a remote day for all students, and Thursday and Friday the District will be on the hybrid schedule with a combination of in-person and remote learning for students on the schedule previously released.

Akron Central School buildings had significant renovations completed during the summer months. “As the construction crews begin to remove their equipment and turn the buildings over to our maintenance staff, we have found that we need this additional day without students to complete critical work to prepare our campus,” McCabe wrote.  “We will be running electrical wiring, installing the thermal temperature scanners, finalizing the renovated Health Office suite, and installing the furniture so that we can properly care for anyone that may become ill. In addition, the maintenance staff will thoroughly clean and wax the areas that have been under construction. At the time of student arrival on campus, classrooms will have the number of desks reduced and properly spaced to meet SED & DOH guidelines.”

Protective barriers will be installed on student desks and dining areas, while sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer will be in each classroom and in all common areas. “Our maintenance department has worked tirelessly throughout the summer and they deserve tremendous credit for all that they have accomplished,” McCabe wrote.  “In these final days, they will be working on all shifts to have the building ready for students on September 10th. We recognize the inconvenience that this change places on families. Our students are at the center of everything that we do. The additional day of remote teaching affords us just a little bit of breathing room so that we can assure proper instruction, supervision, and services to them.”

McCabe expressed sincere appreciation to all who have called or emailed with questions and comments over the recent weeks. “I also want to thank all of you who provided questions, feedback and comments during our Reopening Informational Sessions. All comments, questions and feedback have been read, shared and considered as we worked through developing our reopening plans. It is only through our school and community partnership that we are able to open schools with the confidence that we have. On behalf of the Board of Education and all of us here in the district – THANK YOU!” McCabe said.