Rye Neck Union Free School District welcomed its students back to school on Sept. 8 for the first day of the 2020-21 school year. Behind their masks, teachers warmly greeted each student who walked into their classrooms while the students adjusted to their new routines, which included wearing masks and getting their temperatures taken prior to entering the buildings.

As the students made their way down the hallways – marked with arrows directing traffic – they followed one-way lanes to their classrooms. While there were fewer students in the buildings and desks were spaced farther apart than usual to allow for proper social distancing, the opening days were filled with excitement. The students got to know their teachers, reconnect with classmates and engage in new learning opportunities.

“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our administrators and teachers, the opening of school got off to a safe and positive start,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro said. “It was so nice to see children back in the buildings. Students were happy to be back in school and to be with their friends once again.”

Over the last few months, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Board of Education members, administrators and educators have been working diligently to prepare for the new school year and provide students with a safe environment and high-quality remote learning experiences. The district reopened with a hybrid model that split students into two cohorts, each attending school in person on alternating days.