Freeport Schools implement new learning, meal programs

What was originally supposed to be a two-day break from school has now become a two-week ordeal for Freeport students as Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order on March 16 to close schools across the state through April 1.  

"The single most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to reduce close contacts, and that includes in our schools," Cuomo said. 

Danny Jordan, 43, of Freeport, said he agreed with the order but was also concerned about how other parents would be able to manage having their kids at home while the adults are away at work. Jordan said he was lucky enough to have his mother-in-law at home to help take care of his two children. 

“My kids loved it when they heard they’d have this time off from school,” Jordan said. “But I’m still a bit nervous about this whole situation.” 

In a letter sent to parents, Freeport Union Free School District Superintendent Kishore Kuncham explained that the district’s E-Learning and Meal Pick-up programs would begin on Wednesday, March 18. 

The E-Learning platform will be available for all students in grades two through 12, where the students will access online courses through their Chromebooks. The courses will feature daily assignments when the students log into Google Classroom, and students will submit their work for their teachers to review. The Online Resource Center is also available on the district’s website to help students reinforce their skills on a daily basis. 

The Grab & Go Meal program allows students to pick-up breakfast and lunch at either the Freeport High School or New Visions Elementary School during weekdays from 9:30 a.m to noon. Each meal will be in its own bag and include a utensil and napkin. Parents and guardians must either bring the students to pick up the food or be able to provide each child’s information.

Kuncham added that while there were no cases yet within the district, the district would be cancelling all evening and weekend events through April 20. Additionally: 

•  All field trips have been cancelled through April 20 
• All music events, including the Freeport High School musical and New York State School Music Association adjudication, have been postponed until further notice 
• All athletic games have been cancelled until further notice
• The use of our facilities by outside organizations has been cancelled until further notice 

“While it saddens us to make these difficult decisions regarding our school events, as always, the health and safety of our students, staff and community remain our top priority,” Kuncham wrote in the letter.  

The High School Evening Twilight program, after school activities and athletic practices within the schools will remain as scheduled. Board of Education meetings will also continue. 

“It’s a very stressful time right now,” said Maria Jordan Awalom, of Freeport, who has two children in the district. “This is a lot different from the snow days we used to have.”

At the end of March, state officials will consider whether to extend school closures and continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement. Districts that exceed the closure period without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule.

The action, the governor said, will ensure consistency in instruction across New York.