Berner Middle School Resumes In-Person Classes Ahead Of Schedule
MASSAPEQUA, NY — Students at Berner Middle School were able to resume their classes ahead of schedule after a student contracted the coronavirus and forced the school to go to distance learning.
The announcement of the positive case and the decision to go to distance learning was made on Monday. At the time, Superintendent Lucille Iconis said that the school would be using distance learning for the entire week. But Wednesday, Iconis sent a letter to parents saying that in-person classes would resume on Thursday.
"Be assured that we will continue to adhere to the safety measures in place so we can keep everyone safe and healthy," Iconis wrote. "All parents are reminded to continue to closely monitor their child for any signs of symptoms, complete the district’s health screening form each morning, and to discuss any medical concerns with their child’s physician. These measures are necessary. It is imperative that we work together to mitigate this virus."
However, the school is not completely reopening. In-person classes are resuming as normal for sixth graders. But seventh and eighth graders will be using the hybrid model, where they alternate between in-person and online classes. Students who have been ordered to quarantine will have to use remote learning.
On Monday, Iconis said that the student who had tested positive for the virus had "greater contact" with other students and staff. The Nassau County Department of Health told the district to shut down the school. After contact tracing and sanitizing the building, the DOH said the district could resume classes.
This article originally appeared on the Massapequa Patch
