Hybrid Learning and Happy Reunions Mark Start of School Amid COVID Crisis
Dr. Emily Hersh, superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Blythedale Union Free School District at Blythedale Children’s Hospital, speaks from the heart while tightening her face mask for the beginning of face-to-face, fall classes in September. A special day that was anything but guaranteed, considering the drastically different state of the region and country just six months ago.
Blythedale’s COVID-19 leadership team (comprised of Hospital and School leadership) quickly tapped into technology to implement distance learning and telehealth for the more than 150 patients who attend the Day Hospital program and MPBS—ensuring that not only was each child’s medical and therapeutic regimen addressed, but their educational needs were met as well.
"The seamless continuation of these vital services were critical in preserving the quality of care for this vulnerable population of children,” said Blythedale President & CEO Larry Levine. “We prioritized and put into place these much-needed interventions without delay.”
Through the hard work and diligence of its staff, Blythedale was able to navigate the pandemic without any positive patient cases. At the same time, New York’s positivity rate began to steadily decline—to such an extent that Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed for in-person, summertime special education classes to resume for a six-week pilot program from July to August.
At the end of the summer session, no COVID cases were reported among students. While 80% of families opted to send their child for in-person instruction in the summer, that number jumped to nearly 90% for the fall program.
“This has been a daunting task, but one that has been extremely rewarding when you see the smiles on their faces,” said Hersh.
We’re able to provide these children and families with a sense of structure and a sense of normalcy.”
“What we’ve done shows that it can work and obviously these are children who have significant medical conditions, so they’re even more in need of caution,” said Klein. "I think we have guidance we can give to other schools.”
“It feels great. I kind of missed everybody, like my teachers and my therapists,” he said. "I looked forward to this day at Blythedale because without them I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
Eulalia Chicaiza agreed and praised the Hospital-School partnership while dropping off her son, Jaccob, for his first day of third grade. The nine-year-old was able to continue his academics while simultaneously relearning how to walk, talk, eat and perform self-care activities after a devastating brain hemorrhage.
“They just have the patience, the love and the expertise in the way they treat him and teach him,” said Chicaiza. "I thank them for bringing my son back to me.”
“I learn about everything here,” said four-year-old Oliver, an MPBS kindergartener participating in Blythedale’s specialized feeding program. “I learned how to wash my hands to get rid of germs and I get to see my favorite friend—my teacher, Steve. I love school.”
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