East Hampton Returns Middle and High School Students to the Classroom

The East Hampton Union Free School District welcomed back high school and middle school students this week and has seen increases in the number of students returning to school full-time.

East Hampton Middle School Principal Charles Soriano said while there’s a trickle-in of sixth- and seventh-graders who will be electing to return to school full-time — which he will have better numbers on next week — 14 eighth-graders who were in a full distance learning program have opted to return to school for the third quarter, leaving 17 students in a fully virtual school model.

“Grade eight had the largest number overall of students who elected the all-virtual model, at 30 percent,” the principal said. “Now that number is 17 percent.”

Two students who were on a hybrid model also switched to a full-time distance learning model, said Mr. Soriano.

“It’s been a successful two days,” Mr. Soriano said, adding that a double-masking mandate — of one medical-grade and one cloth mask — even though a “heavy lift, went extremely well.” The mandate was put in place as 6 feet of social distancing cannot be done when inviting more students to return to school full-time.

“Some students were a little confused, some came with two disposable or two cloth masks, but we helped correct that, and we have plenty of extras,” the middle school principal said. “The students did exceptionally well. I’m always surprised by how cooperative they are. When it’s conveyed through the lens of respecting others and being fair to others, that really resonates with the middle school mind.”

James Crenshaw joked he almost forgot what it’s like to be a principal of high school students.

“We clearly have more students in the building,” he said. “It’s nice to see them again.”

But the high school principal said that while attendance is up, it is still lower than he’d like it to be. Mr. Crenshaw said he sent messages to fully-remote students to see who may want to return for the fourth and final quarter. The deadline to re-enroll full-time is Sunday.

To ensure safety, besides double-masking dividers were added on desks and tables at both the middle and high school level. The middle school also returned to using its hexagon-shaped activity tables.

“They lend themselves to cooperative and collaborative work, which is really a hallmark of our school,” Mr. Soriano said. “And oddly, this resulted in much more spacious-feeling rooms. I think it’s the safest. And while the kids can see each other, they’re protected with these barriers.”

“We’re making do and being safe,” Mr. Crenshaw said. “I want to thank the community, the teachers, the board, the administration, the nurses, clerical and custodial staff for their support. This was a pretty big effort. Only two days in, I think we’re doing pretty good, to be honest. I’m very appreciative of the effort everyone’s put in to make this work.”

John M. Marshall Elementary School Principal Karen Kuneth said 45 students are choosing to remain on a distance learning platform for the third trimester. She said that number is now half of what it was at the start of the first trimester. Those students returning will do so April 5.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some new faces,” the elementary school principal said. “We have a transition model in place, because we want to support families and students. Many of those kids haven’t been to school in a year. We’re getting prepared to welcome them back.”

While Mr. Soriano will be welcoming students back next week, the middle school principal will only be around until April 5. While he has already contacted parents and staff, the Board of Education officially approved his unpaid leave of absence March 16 under the Family and Medical Leave Act. It will run through the end of the school year, June 30, and concurrently with 59 days of available paid sick leave.

Assistant Superintendent Adam Fine, who has been part of several administrative shuffles in the last two years, will serve as acting middle school principal.

“I want to thank Adam. He stepped into a new role as assistant superintendent this year, but we also realize the importance of having continuity at the middle school,” said Superintendent Richard Burns, who will be replaced by Mr. Fine next year following his retirement. “Adam and Charlie have been in direct communication and collaborating to make sure we don’t miss a beat this year.”

The superintendent said he expects the rest of the year to go smoothly with what directives, safety measures and programs Mr. Soriano already set up as students continue to return to school.

“Adam, you’re directed not to change anything,” the superintendent said, laughing. “A lot of changes, obviously, occurred this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we feel everything that’s in place will remain through the end of the school year.”