Back to School: Rochester-area school districts’ reopening plans for 2021-22

Andrew Hyman

[News10NBC]

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Students and staff in the Rochester area are heading back to the classroom for the 2021-22 school year.

News10NBC compiled a list of local districts’ first days of school and its reopening plans. We will update this page as school districts release information. If you don’t see your district listed, please send the information to webmaster@whec.com.

Editor’s note: Since many districts announced their plans, the New York State Department of Health filed an emergency regulation that will require all students, teachers, and staff at all grade levels to wear masks in school. It was filed the night of Friday, Aug. 27, so districts may not have updated reopening plans until Monday.

MONROE COUNTY

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Academy of Health Sciences Charter School

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors and on school buses. Masks are not required for outdoor activities, but students should maintain their distance when not wearing masks outdoors.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District’s plan

Brighton

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors. Students and staff can unmask outdoors if fully vaccinated (no one will be asked to show proof of vaccination).
Social distancing: District will provide as much distance as possible for eating and use outdoor space.
District updates

Brockport

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 2 for K-12 students; Thursday, Sept. 9 for PreK
Mask policy: Students will have to wear masks indoors.
Every individual must complete a health screening each day they are scheduled to be on campus.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Churchville-Chili

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: The district says they will release information on wearing masks indoors and on school buses no later than Aug. 27.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Discovery Charter School

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors.
Social distancing plan: Students will maintain a distance of 3 feet apart.
District updates

East Irondequoit

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors. Masks are not required to be worn outside. Mask breaks will be provided.
Social distancing plan: Students will maintain a distance of 6 feet apart in PE class and band/chorus.
District’s plan

East Rochester

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, Masks will be worn indoors, except when eating or when 6 feet distance from others can be maintained. Masks are not required to be worn outside. Mask breaks will be provided.
Social distancing plan: Students will maintain a distance of 6 feet apart in PE class and band/chorus.
District’s plan

Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of vaccination status, all students, staff are required to wear masks indoors.
Social distancing plan: Students will be seated at least three feet apart in the classroom.
District updates

Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science & Technology

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Fairport

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Universal masking while indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status will be required. Mask breaks will be incorporated. Masking will be optional when outdoors.
Social distancing plan: 3 feet in classrooms or to the greatest extent possible; 6 feet when eating and any other time masks must be removed such as in music ensembles.
District updates

Gates Chili

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Greece

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors. Masks will not be required outdoors or where physical distancing can be possible.
Social distancing plan: Physical distancing of 3 feet should be maintained indoors whenever possible.
District updates

Hilton

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Honeoye Falls-Lima

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors.
Social distancing plan: Students will be 3 feet apart in class.
District updates

Penfield

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 1
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Mask breaks will be incorporated throughout the day. Masking will be optional when outdoors.
Social distancing plan: 3 feet in classrooms; 6 feet when eating and any other time masks must be removed (i.e. music)
District’s plan

Pittsford

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Mask breaks will be incorporated throughout the day. Masking will be optional when outdoors.
Social distancing plan: Students will be seated 3 feet apart in classrooms, to the extent possible
District’s plan

Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask. While outside, students will not be required to wear masks.
Social distancing plan: At least 3 feet in classrooms; 6 feet while eating.
District’s plan

Rochester Academy Charter School

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates

Rochester City Schools

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors.
Social distancing plan: Students will be seated at least 3 feet apart in classrooms
District updates

Rochester Prep Charter School:

First day of school: Monday, Aug. 23 for grades 1-4 and 6-12; kindergarten and grade 5 began Thursday, Aug. 19
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors.
Social distancing plan: Students will be seated at least 3 feet apart in classrooms
District updates

Rush-Henrietta

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask indoors. Masks are not required outside.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Spencerport

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8 for grades 1-12; Thursday, Sept. 9 for UPK and kindergarten
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Masking will remain optional while outside, working alone in an office or classroom, and/or eating and drinking while inside when distanced 6 feet.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask.
Social distancing plan: Students will maintain at least 3 feet in classrooms; 6 feet while eating.
District updates

Vertus Charter School

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 2
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Webster

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Students can take them off while eating or outdoors and mask breaks will be allowed.
Social distancing plan: Physical distancing of 3 feet in classrooms; 6 feet when eating.
District updates

West Irondequoit

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Masking will be optional while outside.
Social distancing plan: Students will be 3 feet apart in classrooms and learning places; district will strive to ensure 6 feet between students during lunches.
District updates

Wheatland-Chili

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Mask breaks will be incorporated throughout the day. Mandatory masks on buses with windows open, whenever reasonable, to increase airflow. Masking will be optional when outdoors.
Social distancing plan: Physical distancing of 3 feet in classrooms, whenever possible. Physical distancing of six feet when eating.
District updates

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Allendale Columbia

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

Aquinas Institute

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7 for grades 6, 7, and 9; Wednesday, Sept. 8 for all other grades
Mask policy: Universal masking when indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. Masking will not be required when outdoors.
Social distancing plan: Physical distancing will be practiced where possible and during all lunch periods.
School’s plan

Bishop Kearney

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

The Charles Finney School

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

The Harley School

First day of school: N/A
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

Our Lady of Mercy

First day of school: N/A
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

Mary Cariola Center

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

McQuaid Jesuit

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask on campus.
Social distancing plan: N/A
Updates from school

GENESEE COUNTY

Alexander

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Batavia

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear masks in certain indoor, close contact situations. Masks will not be required for outdoor activities.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Byron-Bergen

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Elba

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Le Roy

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Oakfield-Alabama

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Regardless of their vaccination status, all students and staff must wear a mask upon entering buildings and while in hallways. Students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to wear masks in classrooms, but it will not be required.
Social distancing plan: District will try to maintain 3 to 6 feet of physical distance; some classrooms and lessons will return to group work.
District updates

Pavilion

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: All students and staff must wear masks during some parts of the school day, while on buses, and in some situations while indoors in our buildings. District says it will finalize plan the week of Aug. 23.
Social distancing plan: District says it will finalize plan the week of Aug. 23.
District updates

Pembroke

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Avon

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Caledonia-Mumford

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: All students and visitors will wear masks during some part of our school day. District still finalizing plan.
Social distancing plan: Students will be socially distant 3 to 6 feet in classrooms. Some classroom and learning activities will require a shorter distance.
District updates

Dansville

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Geneseo

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Keshequa

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Livonia

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: All students and staff must wear masks during some parts of the school day while on buses and indoors. District finalizing plan.
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Mt. Morris

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

York

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

ONTARIO COUNTY

Canandaigua

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – masks strongly encouraged but not required; substantial and high – masks required). Masks are not required outdoors. Masks breaks will be provided throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – no distancing requirements; substantial and high – 3 feet distancing required where practicable).
District updates

Bloomfield

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – masks strongly encouraged but not required; substantial and high – masks required). Masks are not required outdoors. Masks breaks will be provided throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – no distancing requirements; substantial and high – 3 feet distancing required where practicable).
District updates

Geneva

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Students and staff required to wear masks indoors.
Social distancing plan: 3 feet distancing
District updates

Honeoye

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Universal masking is required for all students and staff in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Mask breaks will be given throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: Physical distancing of 3 feet between students and 6 feet between teachers/staff will be maintained in all indoor settings.
District updates

Manchester-Shortsville

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – masks strongly encouraged but not required; substantial and high – masks required). Masks are not required outdoors. Masks breaks will be provided throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – no distancing requirements; substantial and high – 3 feet distancing required where practicable).
District updates

Marcus Whitman (Gorham-Middlesex)

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Following CDC’s transmission level designation (low and moderate – masks strongly encouraged but not required; substantial and high – masks required). Masks will not be required for outdoor activities.
Social distancing plan: If the transmission rate is low/moderate, no distancing requirements. If the transmission rate is significant/high, physical distance of 3 feet.
District updates

Naples

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7
Mask policy: Universal masking is required for all students and staff in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required outdoors. Mask breaks will be given throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: Students will be at least 3 feet apart in classrooms.
District updates

Phelps-Clifton Springs (Midlakes)

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Universal masking is required for all students and staff in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required outdoors. Mask breaks will be given throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: Physical distance of at 3 three feet indoors.
District updates

Victor

First day of school: Thursday, Sept. 9
Mask policy: Masks must be worn by everyone at all times when indoors, except for breaks and eating/drinking
Social distancing plan: If the transmission rate is low/moderate, no distancing requirements. If the transmission rate is significant/high, physical distance of 3 feet.
District updates

ORLEANS COUNTY

Albion

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Holley

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Kendall

First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 7 for grades 1-12; Wednesday, Sept. 8 for Pre-K and kindergarten
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Lyndonville

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: N/A
Social distancing plan: N/A
District updates

Medina

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: Universal masking is required for all students and staff in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required outdoors. Mask breaks will be given throughout the day.
Social distancing plan: At least 6 feet
Updates from district

WAYNE COUNTY

Palmyra-Macedon

Mask policy: Masks are not required when outdoors (but recommended for unvaccinated individuals).
Social distancing plan: The general physical distancing requirement is a minimum of 3 feet.
District updates

Wayne Central

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 1
Mask policy: Masks are not required for vaccinated individuals outdoors. Masks are not required but are recommended for unvaccinated people outdoors.
Social distancing plan: 3’ minimum distancing requirement to the extent possible. For students having meals in cafeterias, distancing will be implemented to the extent possible.
District updates

WYOMING COUNTY

Attica

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: If the transmission rate is low/moderate, masking indoors will be strongly encouraged. If the transmission rate is significant/high, masking will be required.
Social distancing plan: Students will be at least 3 feet apart in classrooms.
District updates

Letchworth

First day of school: Wednesday, Sept. 8
Mask policy: If the transmission rate is low/moderate, masking indoors will be strongly encouraged. If the transmission rate is significant/high, masking will be required.
Social distancing plan: Students will be at least 3 feet apart in classrooms.
District updates

Perry