LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — A five-week math and reading reinforcement program for elementary school children is set to begin next week.
It's also a taste of how schools may operate if they reopen their doors to in-person learning this fall.
Governor Cuomo said if school districts are able to open in the fall, the must submit their plans to the state to reopen.
"Because of the guidelines that we have to follow through New York State, we have to make sure that children are socially distanced, and wear masks. Except when they're sitting at their desks. Staff have to wear masks at all times," said John Trojanowsky, Executive Director of the Lancaster Youth Bureau.
Classes have just six students each. But Trojanowsky said they are able to accommodate up to 8 students in large enough rooms.
When children enter the Lancaster Youth Bureau, each group will enter separately.
Each child will have their temperatures checked and hands sanitized before entering the building.
"They will come to the main door, a staff member will check them in, will screen them; there are screening questions that need to be asked,"
And any class or homework will be done through handouts.
"We won't be giving each child a book that will be left behind for another child to use. So any materials they have will be their own that they will take home with them at the end of each class,"
When students come back starting next week, they will get the experience they've wanted to get since March; being in a classroom with their teacher and fellow students.
"A lot of the parents have said to me that their children are looking forward to being [with] other children in a classroom-like situation," said Trojanowsky.
Trojanowsky said staggered start times will allow each class of students to enter and exit the building through separate doors without intermingling with others.
He said they can accommodate up to 140 students, and have 45 students so far.
Handouts will be distributed to all students to take home. They are expected to bring pens and pencils to class that will be put in labeled pouches and kept for daily use.
Classes begin at 8:55 a.m. and go on until 12:20 p.m. starting July 13 to August 13 on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Youth Bureau, 200 Oxford Ave. The cost is $100 for residents, $120 for nonresidents.
Up to 24 classes will be taught by teachers.
Parents can contact the youth bureau at (716) 683-4444 to schedule an appointment for class registration.
If anyone is unable to register in person between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., registration forms and payments can be placed in an envelope marked Lancaster Youth Bureau Summer Program in the Lancaster Town Hall drop box located at the Clark Street entrance.
