NEWBURGH, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — After a series of shootings around a Hudson Valley town, the local school district moved Monday to offer remote learning for its nearly 11,000 students.
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District will allow normal in-person learning and virtual learning amid a surge of gun violence, acting Superintendent Ed Forgit wrote on the district's website — similar to a remote model imposed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The district believes that our schools are safe and that students learn best in this environment," he said. "However, the district will be offering students in all grade levels the option of a virtual learning model for Tuesday, November 23, 2021."
Newburgh Police confirmed Monday that there have been six shots fired in and around the city since Nov. 17, including two shootings that day.
The community saw a 19% uptick in violent crime in comparison to last year as well as a shooting victim increase in 2021, NBC 4 reports.
The New York Post reports both of Monday's shootings occurred close to local schools.
Forgit urged parents on Monday to "play a major role in supporting our children during this difficult time," even if that child is not their biological offspring.
"Whether they are your biological child, a relative, friend, neighbor, fellow church congregant, and so on — if you know a young child or teenager, please check in with them," he added. "Our young people need to know that they are loved and supported. It is also important that our adults act as role models when managing their emotions — especially when they do not agree with someone. Our children are always watching our behaviors for cues on how they, in turn, should behave."
Officials announced Tuesday that the school district would move forward with a half day on Wednesday, but "all schools will be open if families wish to send their students in for in-person learning."
Students will also be able to participate "synchronously or asynchronously" in virtual learning while parent-teacher conferences are held virtually as well.
"The district believes that our schools are safe and that students learn best when present in school buildings," officials said in a statement.
