By Katharine Outcalt

Oct. 7, 2020: As Bronxville School enters its fifth week of learning, the administration has made the decision to increase the capacity in the high school from one half to two thirds. Up until this week, the Elementary and Middle schools have been attending full time in-person while the High School has been executing a hybrid model.

The hybrid model has consisted of half the high school student body attending in-person for half of the day while the other half attends class remotely through Zoom. All parents were given the option to have their child attend school fully remotely. According to school Superintendent Roy Montesano, only 8% of the student body has opted to learn 100% remotely this academic year.

MHTB asked several families what their experience has been being "back to school" in this new normal. Responses varied but primarily suggest that in-person learning is the preferred method of attending school.

Bronxville resident Kiri Wolfe whose children are in kindergarten, 1st, and 7th grade at the Bronxville School, has found relief in the return to in-person learning. "The in-school experience provides support and structure beyond what we can provide at home. I am so thankful that the administration, teachers & support staff are going to such great lengths to make this year happen. I am hopeful that we can keep this going as long as possible. For our family, it is so much better."

Resident Ashleigh Donovan has a 2nd and 5th grader at the Bronxville School and a 6th grader who just began her first year at an area private school. The private school has a 50% hybrid model where all 6-12th graders alternate between being in school and being at home. Donovan notes, "Our biggest challenge with this arrangement is that doing five consecutive days of at-home learning behind a computer screen is exhausting for a young person, especially without the fun social releases that regular school provides. Gearing up for a week of at-home school takes some work!"

Dana Arrighi, whose children are in 4th, 6th, 8th and 9th grades at Bronxville, agrees with the school's decision to prioritize in-school learning for the younger students. Having witnessed the struggle of staying engaged while remote last Spring, he is grateful that his children are back in-person. "In general, I think remote learning is feasible and works for some portion of the day, but it was less effective and trickier last Spring with everything outside of school on hold. There is enough going on outside of school this Fall to provide an adequate routine and structure kids can rely on and take comfort in," said Arrighi.

"I think the school has done a phenomenal job at creating a best-case scenario. My kids are very happy. The only thing that might be more helpful is if the high school core classes and Advanced Placement classes were prioritized to be in-person," said Sara Kenny, whose children are in 3rd, 6th, 8th and 9th grades at Bronxville. Kenny makes the argument that subjects like Math and English, where concepts are cumulative, are more challenging to learn remotely.

But, what about the students who had to abruptly make the shift to remote learning last March and were forced to adjust to new expectations, pass/fail situations, and online AP exams, not to mention canceled sports seasons? How are they adjusting this Fall?

"I would rather be in class all day, but the teachers and the school have done a terrific job with remote learning. Considering the circumstances, I feel relatively prepared," said Teddy Dolan, an 11th grader at Bronxville.

Bronxville senior Peter McSherry finds Zoom to be the most challenging. "I perform better in-person. Zoom restricts conversation. You can miss a lot when learning remotely."

"I think remote learning is much harder than being in class," said Bronxville senior Betsy Marshall. "I feel less inclined to participate. In class, you are more comfortable with your teacher and classmates. It is very hard to establish a good connection with a teacher if you are all online."

"I think it's a good model given the situation, but still doesn't replicate the level of learning you get completely in person," said Bronxville senior Michael Randall.

With over 40% of the state's public schools learning remotely this Fall, the fortune of learning in-person if only partially, is not lost on many.

"I think everyone involved has brought creative and thoughtful solutions to the incredibly complex issue of re-opening school and designing different models to meet the needs of all three schools, "said Bronxville resident Nancy Marshall. "Any small frustrations aren't due to a lack of careful planning or insight, but are a reflection of the climate we all find ourselves."

Photo by Staff