Pleasant Valley School District held a virtual town hall meeting Monday night to answer questions about its plans for the upcoming school year.

The school district announced on July 16 that it would use a hybrid model for classes in the fall, if Monroe County remains in the green phase.

The current plan involves splitting the students into groups based on their last names. Students whose last names start with A through K would attend in-person classes on Monday and Tuesday, while students with names between L through Z would attend online instruction.

All students would attend online classes on Wednesday, which will allow for meetings, teacher office hours and deep cleaning opportunities. Then on Thursday and Friday, students with last names between L and Z would attend in-person instruction, while the first group attends classes online. They expect the classes to have about 11 to 13 students in them.

“Folks, we want to come back to the building, too, but we also want to take a look at safety as much as we can for our staff and students,” said Superintendent Dr. Lee Lesisko. “The problem we have here is we would like to open up traditionally, the problem is we don’t have the room to practice social distancing in all of our rooms. The schools were not made to practice social distancing. They were designed to provide collaboration in close quarters.”

Questions from parents

Parents logged in to see the meeting and at least 50 people had questions for the panel consisting of Lesisko, the school district’s principals, directors from various departments, and two doctors from St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Not all of the questions could be answered in the two-hour time frame. Lesisko encouraged those whose questions didn’t get answered to email the school at questions@pvbears.org. The school had already received nearly 80 questions before the beginning of the meeting.

Jessica Jennings asked if the students at home on their online days could participate with the in-person classes via Zoom.

PVHS principal Matthew Triolo doubted it would be possible. He said there wouldn’t be anyone to record the teacher as he or she moves around the classroom. Lesisko said it is something they could look into and discuss with the teachers’ union. The idea was supported by other parents who asked questions later.

“I think it would be a fantastic idea if the other students could watch,” said Maria Sfetas, a parent. She said her young son had much anxiety last spring, because he lost the interaction with his teacher and classmates.

PVE principal Roger Pomposello said Zoom had been considered in the spring, but there was a concern about privacy, since the children’s homes can be seen through the camera.

The town hall questions ranged from those about kindergarten to those about seniors graduating next year. Some of the topics:

Masks

Students will be required to wear masks on the school buses, in the hallways and in the classroom. They can take off their masks to eat lunch, which will be in the cafeteria. Originally, students could take off their masks at their desks, but that has changed because the teacher standing in front of the students will be the recipient of any expulsion of air from the students through coughing, talking, laughing, etc.

Dr. Rajika Reed, a senior network director of Epidemiology and Strategy at St. Luke’s, said that if a someone in the class gets sick with COVID, the masks will help to control the spread.

COVID-19 in the classroom

Widespread testing will not be done on students and staff.

Dr. John Hauth, senior director for Sports Medicine Relationships at St. Luke’s, said the number of tests and supplies are running low. It is best to self-quarantine if exhibiting symptoms and get tested.

If there is an infection in a classroom or if someone lives with someone who is infected, then that person must quarantine at home. Lesisko said the names of those involved would not be provided due to privacy laws. Anyone who may have come in contact with the person will be notified of the possibility of exposure.

Other illnesses

If a student is supposed to be in the classroom but is sick that day, then he or she should stay home and do the work online.

PV Cyber Academy

Students still can enroll. There is no maximum number, and they can switch back to in-person classes at the end of a quarter. They can also participate in activities and sports.

Online classes

The principals said that the school year will begin with teaching students how to use the online platforms. A parent asked about training for parents, and Lesisko said tutorials could be placed on the district website. Triolo said the teachers are not told how to teach, but are told what material is expected to be covered. Some like to prerecord their lessons and others feel comfortable with other teaching methods.

Sports

Practices for fall sports have begun, but the start of the season may be delayed, according to Thomas Toth, the director of Athletics and Activities. The schools involved in the conference will be making a decision possibly next week.

If a student is home because it is their online day, he or she may attend sports practices or clubs after school but students have to provide their own transportation.

Dress code

The district has not made a decision about uniforms. Backpacks will be permitted. Students will not be able to use lockers.

Technology

Families who have issues with connecting to the internet, or lack of devices are asked to call the school district. Pomposello said iPads are best for elementary school children to use, but Chromebooks are good, just not an Amazon Kindle.

The district has a list of frequently asked questions on its website at pvbears.org under the tab titled COVID-19.