Lynbrook Schools

Lynbrook schools adjust to remote learning

By Julia Swerdin

Receiving an education during a global pandemic can raise some challenges for students, teachers and parents. In order to maintain a formal curriculum for students amid the quarantine, the Lynbrook Public Schools’ administration has worked closely with the Lynbrook Teachers’ Association, aiming to mirror at-home learning with in-class lessons. As of May 4, teachers were required to interact with students through PowerPoint presentations, virtual meetings or voice recordings. Students were assigned work that was similar to what they had been handed in class, and teachers were encouraged to offer corrective criticism. The district’s grading system, typically scored by students’ mean grades in each class, was adjusted to a pass-fail policy for quarter four, the interval of time in which students experienced virtual learning. According to the Lynbrook Public Schools website, the administration consulted colleges, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, neighboring districts and mental health professionals in order to reach this decision. “We believe that since teaching and learning have changed dramatically, teachers’ standards and assessments have shifted, and the variety of challenges our students having been facing during the pandemic, this is the right thing to do,” administrors said. “We do not want to further stress out students and negatively impact the grades that they have earned over the majority of the school year.” The district staff and administration have continued to support students and families of the community on the basis of mental health. School psychologists, social workers and guidance counselors were continually available and worked with students in need throughout the course of remote learning. The district hosted food drives during the height of the pandemic to gather resources and support for those in the community struggling financially. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 a.m. and noon, families experiencing food insecurity were encouraged to pick up the donated food at the high school. Some sports coaches have continued to train their athletes virtually. Coaches also persistently enforced their role as liaisons between students and colleges, securing future opportunities for students, such as athletic scholarships. Several school clubs have continued to meet remotely, including the high school newspaper, Horizon, which has continuously published articles on its online platform. To honor the class of 2020, Lynbrook High School graduates dressed in their caps and gowns for a photo-op, yearbook signing and senior award event on June 16. Graduates earned a symbolic diploma case from Principal Joseph Rainis and were congratulated by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak; Director of Guidance Laurie Mitchell and Director of Fine and Performing Arts Joseph Pallotta presented students with awards. A formal graduation took place at the Marion Elementary School field on July 22. As for the upcoming school year, the administration is considering several different contingency plans. These options include alternating school days and remote learning days or limiting classroom sizes to accommodate social distancing regulations. “The Lynbrook School District has formed a committee to explore possible options for the reopening of school in September 2020,” Burak said. “At this time, the district is researching multiple options while awaiting guidance from Governor Cuomo, the New York State Education Department and the New York State Department of Health.”

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools Left Photo: Lynbrook High School Principal Joseph Rainis presented a diploma case to senior Nicole D’Agostino at LHS’s parent photo, yearbook and award event on June 16.