Before the hateful words started flying, Catskill Central Schools Superintendent Ronal Cook, in a virtual town meeting attended by 100 people online Thu., July 30, laid out his plan to safely reopen the schools this fall. Cook started by stating the obvious — that he and his colleagues take their responsibilities seriously and are focused on bringing students and staff back to safe learning and working environments. Student learning will be provided in one of three instructional models: 100 percent in-person instruction; the hybrid model where students are physically in-person two days a week and participate virtually for three days; and, 100 percent remote virtual instruction. Cook made a number of recommendations, but he and the board are awaiting the governor's reopening declaration, which is expected to be made no later than August 7. The board of education has already moved to modify the school year calendar, rescheduling the September 3 professional day to September 8; adding three more days of professional development for staff on September 9, 10 and 11. And September 14 will be the first day of instruction for students. Cook is recommending the district follow Cuomo's example by using a phased approach to reopening. Phase 1 will begin September 8 and continue through October 9. During the time, all staff will return to campus and all students will begin instruction remotely. During Phase 2, from October 13 through January 29, students operating on the hybrid model will return to campus, while remote instruction will continue for students whose parents or guardians want their learning to be managed virtually. Under Cook's recommendations, all students would return to campus February 1; however, remote instruction could still continue for children whose parents want them to still work from home. Cook said the district will hold another round of town hall meetings after Cuomo makes his school reopening announcement. See the full presentation at CatskillCSD [dot] org.