Chromebooks set to come home in the event district or individual schools go remote

A rise in Covid-19 cases both nationally and in the community has got school district officials thinking proactively and today, December 23, they’ll be sending all students home with their Chromebooks in the case that the district is forced to go remote after holiday recess.

Long Island currently has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in New York State, according to data from the New York State Department of Health. “While the rise in cases certainly presents a challenge, we remain hopeful that we can keep students learning in-person for both their academic and social-emotional wellbeing,” said Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer when asked by the Journal if the district had plans to alter in-person learning before or after the break.

“At this time, the district does not intend to proactively go remote; however, we will be prepared in the event that we are forced to go remote either due to an inability to properly staff one or more buildings, or any state mandates,” he continued.

Mr. Banzer shared an email with the school community regarding the proactive Chromebook measure on December 21, stating that although it is not the current plan, the district would be “fully prepared to have students attend all classes remotely with minimal disruption” should the district or an individual school have to go remote.

“Once again, there is not currently a plan to go remote following the break; however, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that no matter what the next two weeks may hold, our students are able to continue learning,” Mr. Banzer added.