Wearing big smiles behind their masks, students from the Lynbrook Public Schools returned to school on Sept. 8. The long-awaited day was an exciting one as building administrators, staff and teachers were ready to welcome students back, both in-person and virtually. Sept. 8 and 9 served as half days for the students to get accustomed to their new routines, with Sept. 10 serving as the first full day of school.
 
Due to the pandemic, the district is following different instructional models this year. At the elementary level, students selected either a gold (in-person instruction) or green (remote instruction) model to commit to for the first marking period. At the secondary level, students selected a green (remote instruction) or blue (rotation between in-person and remote instruction) model.
 
Since the spring, the district has prepared for the reopening of school through its Reopening Schools Task Force. After many in-depth discussions and research, the reopening plans were officially put in place on the first day. Prior to arriving at school, staff and students took their temperatures. In each building, the district took many precautions for the health and safety of all. This included making changes such as adding desk shields, signs, hand washing stations, social distancing markers and spacing desks six feet apart in classrooms. Although the schools looked different, it did not hinder the positive back-to-school energy. Students were excited to see their peers again and meet their new teachers.
 
“It was so wonderful to see our students back in the building,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak. “You could tell by looking in their bright and gleaming eyes how happy they were to be with their friends and teachers.”