Frequently Asked Questions about the 2020-21 Horseheads District Plan
Will there be COVID testing in our schools as Governor Cuomo suggested in his statements August 3?
No. On August 5, the Governor’s Office clarified the statement the Governor made, stating that school districts would work with local health departments in the event testing is needed. This was information the district was aware of prior to the statement. We will continue to work in partnership with the Chemung County Health Department on any health issues related to the pandemic.
Will schools be open in 2020-21?
Yes – in a limited capacity. By order of Governor Cuomo, the re-opening of schools in any format is contingent upon our region’s 14-day COVID-19 infection rate remaining below 5%. The Governor will use this formula to make the decision about the status of schools the first week of August. The district must submit its plan to the state by July 31 and post it on the district’s website. The plan must include separate sections demonstrating our ability to meet three educational formats within the state’s guidelines: 100% in-person instruction, 100% remote/online learning, and a hybrid of these two models. The format(s) selected for implementation are up to districts. Districts must meet the state’s extensive safety and health requirements, which include social distancing, in order to open schools. This is why we must open in a limited capacity.
Please note: If at any time after August 1 a region’s infection rate rises above 9% over a seven-day average, Governor Cuomo has required that all school buildings close until he makes the determination to return students to schools. Instruction during this time of closure would continue with all students completing remote/online instruction.
How did the district formulate its plan?
A large group of district stakeholders and staff members analyzed the New York State Education Department’s requirements in Recovering, Rebuilding, and Renewing: The Spirit of New York’s Schools Reopening Guidance. the July parents/guardian survey, and other resources to create action plans for the school year, in accordance with state mandates. Teachers, parents, community members, district staff, and administrators served on five committees: Health and Safety/Facilities, Social Emotional Well-Being, Instructional, Nutrition, and Transportation. Each committee was tasked with reviewing the mandated actions that the district must meet to reopen and developed action steps and recommendations for implementation. A group of high school students also provided input. The work from all committees was used to determine the safest and most feasible option for our schools, both instructionally and operationally, aligning with the state’s requirements.
Instructional Options
What are the options for instruction this year?
Currently there are two options for students: 100% remote/online learning or a district-designed hybrid model. Parents must choose one option for each of their children for the year, unless otherwise determined by the Governor. Failure to respond to the district’s questionnaire and follow-up communications will result in a student being placed in the 100% remote/online learning format.
In creating our plan, committee members strongly agreed on two priorities: that students have an equal opportunity for authentic learning experiences that meet the needs of the whole child, and that we create a culture and climate that allows students and staff to feel safe and promotes their well-being. We will slowly transition the timeline to ensure that all staff and students feel safe as we prepare for the new school year.
[Please note: if a parent/guardian does not wish to choose either option, the student must then be home-schooled and a home school plan must be submitted to the district, or enrolled in a nonpublic or charter school.
Why wasn’t in-person instruction the format selected for all students?
During the development phase of our plan, our Health & Safety and Facilities Committee reviewed and considered the number of students and staff allowed to return in-person using these factors as required by the state, along with other factors: Ability to maintain appropriate social distance, PPE and face mask availability, availability of safe transportation, and local hospital capacity. Based on these factors, a 100% in-person format was determined to be not feasible or advisable during this stage of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the mandated requirements for social distancing in buildings and on district transportation, the availability of staff, and the capacity of our school buildings, our district does not have the ability to bring all students back to buildings every day.
If a family has multiple children, can a parent choose one format for one child and another format for another child?
Yes.
Will this decision be for the entire school year?
The state has instructed us to prepare for the entire school year; therefore, at this time, the decision on format is for the entire school year. This is subject to the Governor’s direction.
What will the hybrid format look like?
In the hybrid format, students would attend school in-person two days per week: either Mondays and Tuesdays or Thursdays and Fridays. This means half of our students in the hybrid format will be in our schools at any one time, allowing for social distancing and other safety requirements. Students will attend the same two days each week. Students would be working remotely the other three days of the week.
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Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
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Cohort A will attend in-person instruction for the entire school day
Cohort B will participate in remote learning |
Cohort A will attend in-person instruction for the entire school day
Cohort B will participate in remote learning |
All students in Cohort A and B will participate in remote/online learning. In-person attendance by select students with disabilities (per IEP), students with 504s, and specific English language learners |
Cohort B will attend in-person instruction for the entire school day
Cohort A will participate in remote learning |
Cohort B will attend in-person instruction for the entire school day
Cohort A will participate in remote learning |
- Students who receive services due to an IEP, and did not select 100% remote/online learning, may participate in-person for more than two days a week based on their needs.
- Students who have additional needs outside an IEP, and did not select 100% remote/online learning, may receive additional supports on Wednesday in accordance with NYSED guidance.
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Will students in the hybrid format remain in their classrooms the entire day?
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No. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students. We understand that remaining in one room for the entire day is not the healthiest option. Students will be able to move safely around the building when the situation dictates, such as for special area instruction, lunch, or other activities. During these times, students moving to and from locations will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
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Will multiple children in the same family be able to attend the same hybrid group (i.e. all children in family attend Mondays and Tuesdays)?
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We will make every effort to schedule children in the same family on the same days in the hybrid format, but we cannot guarantee this.
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Will students participate in specials (art, library, music, physical education, technology)?
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Yes. Both the hybrid and remote/online formats will include instruction by our special area teachers.
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Will remote learning be different than last spring?
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Yes. District staff have been working to create a remote/online platform that will address the frustrations and difficulties of last spring’s experience for many students and families.
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Will there be resources available for students who need assistance or who are having difficulty adjusting to remote learning?
Yes. We will work with students and parents to support student needs during this time, whether they are in school or working remotely.
Social Emotional Supports: In our preparation for the school year, we dedicated a committee solely to the social emotional well-being of our students, staff, parents, and community. We look for continued partnerships with parents and guardians in meeting the needs of our students.
Educational Supports: As with the spring, we are looking to continue to offer technology supports to students as they work remotely. And as always, our teachers, staff, and administrators are available to assist with the learning needs of our students.
- Will the district provide technology for those on 100% remote/online and for the days at home for students in the hybrid format?
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To the extent practicable, the district will provide a device to students on remote/online instruction, just as we did last spring. Students can use their own devices if they have access to them. The district will also provide opportunities for wi-fi access and hotspots to the extent practicable, as we did last spring.
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My young child will be in daycare. If he/she cannot connect with the teacher during the day, will he/she be penalized if we connect after school or in the evening?
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No, your child will not be penalized as long as the connection is being made and the work is completed. The important piece is to connect daily, whether during the day or after school. If possible, we recommend connecting during live instruction, but we understand that is not possible for all parents. Our learning management system will keep track of daily connections for attendance purposes, so we ask that parents and students connect daily and keep up with daily work to the extent possible.
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If a parent would like to and has the ability to purchase technology, what should be purchased in order to work best with the district plan?
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Please click here for information on technical specifications and recommendations for those parents/guardians who would like to purchase a device.
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Can a student switch from remote to hybrid, or vice versa, after the school year has begun?
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There may be circumstances where a student in the hybrid format must go to remote/online learning, and this may be permissible upon administrative approval.
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Because our hybrid format has capacity restraints due to health department safety/social distancing requirements and we need to prepare our transportation, food service, and facilities on set numbers, we must know the number of students requesting to be in the building under the hybrid model this September. Please keep in mind that our ability to offer in-school instruction is under the direction of the governor’s office. Nevertheless, once the year begins, our operations and educational delivery will be arranged on these preestablished numbers - from safety requirements to class schedules to number of students eating lunch at a given time to bus routing. It will be difficult to honor student requests to change from remote to the hybrid model once the school year begins given the current restraints and planning.
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Additionally, parents/guardians can request to homeschool their child at any time if they are unhappy with the school’s programming. You will need to submit your letter of intent to homeschool and file all appropriate paperwork including an IHIP with the district.
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What about BOCES CTE/New Visions?
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At this time, our plan for both BOCES CTE and New Visions students is that students will follow our schedule. Hybrid students will attend BOCES for a portion of the two days per week they are in school and be on remote/online learning the other three days. 100% remote students will work remotely with both their High School teachers and BOCES instructors. We are working with BOCES officials to finalize this plan.
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Will school hours remain the same? - Yes. Please be aware, because we expect more parents/guardians to transport their children to school in the hybrid format, drop-off and pick-up times may be extended.
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How will students be graded? What is the criteria for late work?
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Students will receive grades as they would have during any other school year. There will be more specifics on grading to follow. It is important for students to continue to be engaged in their learning as assigned by their teacher(s).
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Health and Safety Measures
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Will students in the hybrid format be required to wear masks?
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Yes. As is required by the state and recommended by the health department, students and staff will wear masks in our efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Staff and students are required to wear facial coverings whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings are also required when students and staff are moving around classrooms or the buildings. Face coverings must cover both the nose and the mouth and may be cloth or disposable. We will provide face coverings for those students and staff who are unable to provide their own. We will provide breaks and opportunities for students to take off their masks as much as is possible in accordance with state requirements. Students may remove their masks during meals and during socially distant instruction. Mask use will be strictly enforced and failure to comply will result in consequences under the Student Code of Conduct. Please click here for our Mask Procedure.
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Will classrooms be socially distant?
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Yes. Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a six-foot space between yourself and others. We are implementing social distancing in all school facilities. In accordance with health department guidance, schools must ensure appropriate social distancing unless safety or the core activity requires a shorter activity.
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Will my child be screened before being allowed in school?
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In order to make sure our schools are as safe as possible, we need the assistance of parents and guardians of children in the hybrid format to screen their children prior to sending them on a school bus or transporting them to school. This screening must include a temperature check as well as answers to the following four questions:
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- Have you been in close or proximate contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19 or who has had symptoms of COVID-19?
- Have you tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
- Have you experienced any symptoms of COVID-19, including a temperature of greater than 100.0* in the past 14 days?
- Have you travelled internationally or from a state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 and is restricted per the New York State Travel Advisory in the past 14 days?
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Children who exhibit symptoms, who have a temperature of 100.0 F, or who answer yes to any of the four screening questions must be kept at home. We will share information on signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 so that you can monitor your family’s health. As an extra layer of precaution, we will also take temperatures of all children prior to school. If your child has a temperature of 100.0 F or greater at the time of this screening, the parent or guardian will be contacted and asked to take the child home.
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Will staff be screened before coming to school?
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Yes, staff will be subject to the same screening procedures as students.
Will student desks be outfitted with desk shields?
The capacity of our classrooms in the hybrid model permit us to layout out desks with appropriate social distancing per state guidance. That stated, we are exploring additional options for our classrooms and other rooms in the district.
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How is cleaning occurring and how frequently?
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Our custodial staff will clean and disinfect our schools routinely based on CDC, health department, and SED guidelines. Hard surfaces will be disinfected daily and routinely throughout the day depending upon use. Additional custodial staff will be in each building when occupied to enhance cleaning and disinfecting as needed based on use during the day. All spaces will be cleaned regularly, frequently, and thoroughly in order to prevent the spread of infection.
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Who cleans and sanitizes the desks during the day? What is the protocol? What about bathrooms?
Our custodial staff will handle the cleaning and disinfecting of our schools based on CDC, health department, and SED guidelines. Bathrooms will be routinely cleaned, and a deep clean of our schools will happen every night. Proper handwashing and personal hygiene is a crucial responsibility shared among parents, students, and the district.
- What if a child cannot wear a mask for health or other reasons?
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If a child has a medical or other need and cannot wear a mask, we must require written notice from the child’s medical provider with final determination being made by the district’s physician. Your building principal is a resource for discussing medical accommodations required by your student. The written notice must be received and accepted by the school before the student will be permitted to not wear a mask on the bus or in the school building. [Please note: Our bus drivers cannot accept this written notice when a child gets on the bus. For this reason, we ask that parents work through this situation directly with the school principal.]
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What if someone refuses to wear a mask?
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The district is required to deny entry to any person who refuses to wear a mask. Please see the following Superintendent’s Directive:
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All people who enter school property, which also includes school vehicles, or attend school sponsored events are directed and required to follow the District’s Re-Opening Plan and written protocols. The plan and written protocols can be found here. This includes, but is not limited to, any requirements to wear face masks, wash hands, maintain social distancing, permit temperature checks, and answer screening questionnaires. Failure to follow the Plan or protocols, as well as failure to follow the directive of an appropriate school official relating to following the Plan or protocols, may result in a person being refused entrance, or an administrator directing the person to leave the school property or event. It may also result in further consequences as follows:
- for all people, the District may contact law enforcement for trespass where the person refuses to leave school property as directed, as well as for any other violations committed;
- for students, discipline pursuant to the District’s Code of Conduct for insubordination, endangering the health, safety, or welfare of others, as well as other applicable violations of the Code of Conduct;
- for parents and other visitors, ban on attending school events as well as consequences pursuant to the Visitors’ Code of Conduct;
- for school personnel formal discipline, up to and including termination.
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How will ventilation in schools be handled?
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The district complies with the state on ventilation and air exchange requirements. In addition, the district has ordered MERV-13 filters for HVAC units district-wide. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The percentage of outdoor air used varies by space, depending upon the number of occupants and outside air temperature. We follow NYSED guidelines for outside air percentage. Most of our classrooms are minimum 30% outside air, but again, this can vary. We are working with our engineers to maximize the amount of outside air depending upon number of occupants and outside temperature. The district is following recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for dealing with COVID-19.
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What about water fountains?
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Water fountains will be turned off due to safety requirements, but our bottle fillers will be operational. We encourage hybrid students to bring a water bottle to and from school. We ask that students' names be put on their water bottles.
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What happens if a student or staff member in a school is diagnosed with COVID-19?
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The district will take every available precaution to protect the safety of students and staff in the event someone in school is diagnosed with COVID-19. The district will work in close coordination with the Chemung County Health Department in the event of a positive case in our schools. The school will be closed to allow for an intense cleaning and the Health Department will initiate contact tracing procedures.
If a teacher or student is ill, how long do they have to stay home from school?
As with any illness, if a person feels sick, he or she should not come to school. For students, work can be made up as it always has. If a student is on a remote day, he or she can still continue their learning if the student feels he/she can, but it is not required. The student can make up missed work after he/she feels better.
In accordance with NYS guidance, a student or staff member who screens positive for COVID-19 symptoms cannot return to a building until the following criteria is met: documentation of evaluation by a health care provider clearing the person to return to school, a negative COVID-19 test, , AND symptom resolution
If an individual is COVID-19 positive, release from isolation as required by the Department of Health and NYS Education Department Guidance. If a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will work with the Chemung County Health Department on requirements and guidelines.
The district will take every available precaution to protect the safety of students and staff in the event someone in school is diagnosed with COVID-19. As recommended by the Chemung County Health Department, the district will work in close coordination with the Health Department in the event of a positive case in our schools. The school will be closed to allow for an intense cleaning and the Health Department will initiate contact tracing procedures in order to advise the district on a reopening date.
The district will follow Education Law § 906, which provides [w]henever…a student in the public schools shows symptoms of any communicable or infectious disease reportable under the public health law that imposes a significant risk of infection of others in the school, he or she shall be excluded from the school and sent home immediately, in a safe and proper conveyance. The director of school health services shall immediately notify a local public health agency of any disease reportable under the public health law. The director of school health services, or other health professionals acting upon direction or referral of such director, may make such evaluations of teachers and any other school employees, school buildings and premises as, in their discretion, they may deem necessary to protect the health of the students and staff.
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What about visitors to schools?
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All visitors to our schools will be subject to the same screening, mask use, social distancing, and other health and safety measures as staff and students. Please know that visitor access to our schools will be limited to essential visits only as determined by the school.
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Transportation
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How will busing be handled for those students attending school?
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We will socially distance students on our buses, just as we will in schools. There will be one student to a seat, and students and the bus driver must wear masks while riding the bus. With fewer students on buses, we will likely have to have more bus runs in order to get all of the children in the hybrid format who need busing to get to school. Parents may also transport their children to school, but please note that drop off may take longer if more parents are transporting their children to school.
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Nutrition
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Will meals be provided as usual?
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We will provide both breakfast and lunch as we do in a traditional school setting, and we will provide meals for pick-up and delivery as we have done since the spring. Students will be able to purchase meals, and parents will be able to pay for meals using the PaySchools program. Those students in the hybrid format will consume their meals in a socially distant fashion, so there may be alternate sites than the cafeteria used for meals.
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Please note: During the closure last spring and the summer, federal meals guidelines were waived, allowing the district to provide meals to all students who needed them at no cost. This waiver is no longer in effect. We must return to our free/reduced meal plan as we had prior to the spring closure. We encourage parents to complete an application for meal assistance. If you have questions, please contact our Food Service Office at (607) 739-5601, x3671 or Jessica Preston, food service manager, at jpreston@horseheadsdistrict.com.
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Other Topics
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What about sports and extracurricular activities?
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At this time, our focus is on instruction, but we understand that extracurricular activities including athletics are an important part of our students’ experience. We will work to develop activities while meeting state safety guidelines once our instructional plan is in place and being implemented. Please note that the New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC) has canceled the fall competition season, and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has delayed the start of the fall sports season until September 21.
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Will the district assist with child care for those parents who cannot stay home with their children? The district continues to work with the Chemung County Child Care Council to assist parents and guardians. The Council can provide referrals for daycare organizations. Parents are encouraged to contact them at (607) 734-3941.
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Additional questions
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Are students staying in the same room?
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We will work to minimize the movement of students in our buildings. In addition, when students need to move, we’ll seek to stagger release times from rooms to minimize the number of students in a hallway at any given time for elementary schools. At the secondary level, we will stagger students as much as possible. Masks will be required at all levels when moving through the buildings.
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Why are other districts having the option to go back full time, in-person but not Horseheads?
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We are planning what is best for our students and staff. Our decision is based on our enrollment and the requirements of the state. Smaller schools may be able to offer in-person instruction to all students if they can safely social distance during the day. Our district does not have the capacity to do so.
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How will students from home ask questions of their teachers on a live stream video? On Zoom, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams it was interactive for students at home.
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This interaction will continue for the 2020-21 school year. Teachers will demonstrate this to the students.
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How is it beneficial to a child's learning when he/she is being homeschooled by a parent, babysitter, grandparent, older sibling, etc. who is not qualified to be an academic teacher?
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Let’s clarify the difference between home schooling and remote/online instruction. If a student is being homeschooled, the parent submits a letter of intent and Individualized Home Instruction Plan with the district and coordinates all instruction and materials.
Remote/online instruction is for enrolled students to work outside of the school setting each day. If a student is on the district’s remote/online learning format, the student will have remote instruction by the teacher. Younger students may need assistance to log on to remote/online instruction with their teacher. We will work with the parent or person caring for the child to assist with learning. And as always, your child’s teacher is available for assistance.
How many hours per day are students expected to spend in remote learning?
The time spent in remote learning at home will be developmentally appropriate for the student’s grade level. It is not expected that a student at any level be connecting continually for a six-hour instructional day. Working remotely will require students to connect into the in-person instruction. If a student is unable to view the broadcast, the material is expected to be recorded for the student and parent to use for reference and to move the student forward with their learning, similar to if they were absent from the class. The student could follow along throughout the day while they also have some break away times from the lesson portion to work independently along with the class.
Will parents who work during the day be able to do work with their kids at night and on weekends? Will work be posted online in advance or day-by-day?
Yes. Students and parents will be able to access the posted instructional lessons at a time that is convenient to the parent. It is encouraged that students attend the remote lesson during the day.
How are food allergies being addressed if students eat in classrooms?
Regardless of where students eat, the same protocols and safety measures will be followed as any other year. Such is the case with snacks eaten in classrooms. If a student has an allergy, we ask that parents/guardians please notify the school nurse and teacher as soon as possible so that all are aware and can assist as appropriate.
If my child does not participate in specials (art, gym, music, library) at home will they risk failing for the year? I plan to keep up to date with the cumulative core work but I am unsure how I will be able to keep up with the rest if it is going to be a heavier workload than in the spring.
Special area instruction (art, music, library, physical education, technology) will be offered this school year. The student is expected to complete work for all subject areas scheduled and offered, specials included. (Note: this will be different than our dismissal last spring.) We encourage students and parents to stay in communication with teachers, especially if there are concerns.
Will there be KidsWorld after school?
We are currently working with the YWCA to continue their KidsWorld program for before and after school day care given the current requirements from the state.
Will drop off and pick up times for the differing schools remain the same? Or will it reflect a degree of flexibility, given imminent transportation issues?
Our times will be the same. Note that our hybrid format means only a portion of students will be transported to and from school each day. We will work on a plan to make sure that drop-off and pick-up procedures meet safety requirements.
What is the protocol if a student or teacher tests positive?
We will follow the procedures and protocols from the Chemung County Department of Health, as well as the NYS Department of Health for any suspected and/or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any of our buildings across the district.
How often will teachers be tested for COVID?
Schools are not required, nor are they qualified to test for COVID-19. This type of testing would be conducted as appropriate and/or recommended by the Chemung County Department of Health or the student/staff member’s individual health care provider.
Are there certain times students must check in or log on for remote learning?
Yes - Daily, with their set schedule of school classes and times.
How will recess be handled?
Students in grades PreK-6 will continue to have recess periods as in a traditional school year. We are working on a plan for recess in accordance with state guidelines.
How will students keep distance in gym class?
The physical education teacher will maintain distancing with all students. This could potentially be up to twelve feet apart for vigorous activity. Schools and physical education teachers will be working on a plan based on state guidelines.
How will birthdays be handled?
As of yet, we have not looked at this question as there are many other priorities at this time. More to come in the future.
The information states that students with IEPs may go extra days. When will we be contacted by case managers for IEP students?
Some of our students with high needs may attend more than the two days. This will be in consultation with the child’s program coordinator or CSE chairperson. They will reach out to those families that would have this educational programming.
If students receive services through an IEP or 504, will students be served while at school or will they be zooms during their at home time?
Our Student Services staff are working on a plan for students with IEPs and 504s. Parents of these students will be receiving communication soon. Parents should contact their student’s CSE chairperson for more information.
What will virtual learning look like?
It will follow the same daily schedule as the in-person portion of the hybrid format with the understanding that once the lessons are complete, a student may independently work on material until their next scheduled lesson for the day and then turn in work when the attend their next in person class, or submit the work remotely.
How often are live lessons?
Live lessons will be held daily following the class schedule.
What is the parent’s role with live lessons?
There are different levels of parent assistance requested based on the student's grade. We are hoping parents can assist us by making sure students are in attendance each day for the live lessons. If students miss a session, they can work with the recorded lesson and associated work in the evening. Students are expected to check in with the teacher daily. Parents must submit excuses for any absences as expected to do during a regular school year.
Is everything based on a schedule or is it flexible to parents’ schedules?
It will be based on your child’s daily schedule of classes.
Are schools using Microsoft teams as in the spring?
Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom were the two main learning platforms teachers used in the Spring. We are currently working to find a single point of access for students to access learning materials. Look for more information soon.
What does the plan mean when stating virtual learning will require attendance to be taken daily?
Attendance will be taken daily as required by educational law.
Will there be assistance in understanding the realm of homeschooling and the requirements per grade so that students do not fall behind?
Please note: Homeschooling is different from our remote/online option. Homeschooling is 100% the responsibility of the parent, who must submit a letter of intent and IHIP for home-schooled students. The school does not assist with the homeschooling program. The school is simply the oversight of the plan and programming for the NYS Education Department. Please look for online resources to assist in this type of programming.
For students in our remote/online format, as with traditional instruction, communication with the teacher is key if students need assistance with their learning.
Can parents choose Cohort A or B?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate special request for cohort groups. We will assign the grouping like we do with class lists and scheduling of teachers.
Do live sessions allow students to interact with the teacher, or is it similar to watching a video?
Live sessions will allow students to interact with their teacher(s). If a student learning remotely is unable to do so during a session, we ask that the student contact the teacher after the session.
What are the protective measures put in place for school employees - teachers, bus drivers, aids, cafeteria, etc.
The district will follow the protective measures outlined by the state health and education department guidance as appropriate for individual staff.
What about substitutes?
We will continue to call upon substitutes for coverage of the classes and instructional duties when a teacher is absent. All health and safety protocols as far as screening, facial covering use, social distancing, etc. apply equally to substitutes.
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I am new to the district. What do I do?
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New families may enroll their children at any time, but they must be officially enrolled to be placed in one of the two formats. In order to enroll a new student, we must have the required forms and documents, including birth certificate, up-to-date record of immunizations, and two forms of proof of district residency. Families of new students should work with the principal. If the child is in PreK-4 and the family does not know which elementary school their home is zoned for, they should contact the district at hcsdinfo@horseheadsdistrict.com.
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This document will continue to be updated. If you have further questions, please contact your school principal or email us at hcsdinfo@horseheadsdistrict.com.
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