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Update: Concerned About Virus, Schools Are Closing

Thu, 03/12/2020 - 13:33
Staff at Pierson Middle and High School and the Sag Harbor Elementary School will work Thursday and Friday to plan "learning opportunities for students to access while school is not in session."
Carissa Katz

Update. March 12, 4:15 p.m.: Amagansett joined the Sag Harbor School District in announcing closures this week as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. Sag Harbor said Wednesday that it will close through March 22; Amagansett informed parents Thursday that it will close through March 29. 

"Teachers and staff members have been designing lessons for students to continue instruction during this closure, and information will be provided directly to you from your child(ren)'s teacher," the school wrote. 

As of Thursday there had been no cases of COVID-19 reported in either district, or in any residents of East Hampton or Southampton Towns. The Hayground School in Bridgehampton also canceled classes on Thursday. 

Original, March 11, 7:30 p.m.: The Sag Harbor School District announced Wednesday night that it would close for 10 days, from Thursday, March 12, through March 22, as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in the Sag Harbor school community, the announcement says.

"Future decisions regarding school closures will continue to be based on protecting the health and safety of our school community," the district said in a letter signed by Eleanor Tritt, the interim superintendent, and the three building principals, Matt Malone, Brittany Carriero, and Jeff Nichols.

Staff will report to work on Thursday and Friday to plan "learning opportunities for students to access while school is not in session."

The closures affect all academic, extracurricular, and athletic activities, and also any private or community group events at the schools.

More information will be posted on the district website, sagharborschools.org.

"We understand and empathize with the significant burden this may place on our families and their own daily schedules," the administrators wrote. "However, this decision has been made with what we believe is in the best interest of the health and safety of our school population and community."

 

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