By Lily McInerney
Spring break (April 6th- 13th) for Irvington schools has now been canceled due to COVID-19 due an order by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Superintendent Dr. Kris Harrison in a letter today confirmed the state’s order:
“Contrary to the announcement that I made on Friday, March 27, 2020; wherein, I communicated that the District would be closed April 6th through April 13th, the District will continue with it’s distance learning plan rather than have Spring Break. During this period of time, teachers will continue to guide distance learning consistent with the practices that families and students are becoming used to.”
Specifically, Executive Order 202.11 states:
“The directive contained in Executive Order 202.4 related to the closure of schools statewide shall hereafter be modified to provide that all schools shall remain closed until April 15, 2020, at which time the continued closure shall be re-evaluated. No school shall be subject to a diminution in school aid due to failure to meet the 180 day in session requirement as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, provided their closure does not extend beyond the term set forth herein. School districts must continue plans for alternative instructional options, distribution and availability of meals, and childcare, with an emphasis on serving children of essential workers, and continue to first use any vacation or snow days remaining.”
Dan Fuller, deputy security for education to Governor Cuomo, announced to state education officials that the “continuity of learning” is now going to take place during planned vacation time. The distribution of meals will continue through this time as well. Any district that fails to adhere to this order would be risking state aid according to the governor’s office.
Students like senior Zoe Jacobs were hoping for some time off, even if that just meant additional time in quarantine conditions.
“I was looking forward to having a break from online classes and having a week to relax. However, school work also gives me something to do during the day so it might help keep me busy next week,” said Jacobs.
Dr. Harrison, in his letter to the community, acknowledged the issue of religious observance interfering with online learning.
“What further complicates the instructional plan for next week is the fact that there are a number of religious holidays that many of our staff members will be observing, specifically Passover and Good Friday,” the letter states. “As a result, I am advising the school community that there may be limitations on teacher availability on given days.”
The cancellation of Spring Break was first reported by CNY Central news.
The article quoted a letter from the Morrisville-Eaton school district: “The most difficult news to convey to the community, especially our students and faculty, is the Governor’s declaration that all school districts closed under his order must forfeit any remaining snow days and vacation days in order to receive the state aid we qualify for.”
That’s not fair at all
is this real