NEW YORK – A New York school district gave families the option to keep their children at home and return to virtual instruction on Tuesday, not because of COVID, but because of worsening gun violence in their schools and communities. .
The Newburgh school district, Enlarged City School District, which serves about 11,000 students in an area about 60 miles north of New York City, opened schools normally, but gave parents the remote option if they did. they preferred.
“The district believes that our schools are safe and that students learn best in this environment. However, the district will offer students of all levels the option of a virtual learning model by Tuesday, November 23, 2021.” the district said in a notice on its website.
The shooting led to the closure of the Newburgh Free Academy campuses on Thursday and again on Friday, although the shooting was closer to South Middle School, which remained open, according to district officials and reports. Newburgh city leaders briefly considered, then opted against, declaring a state of emergency because of increased violence.
In Wednesday’s case, video from a witness showed several students ducking for cover and running for their lives while at least 10 shots were fired, according to police. Four teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 were beaten.
Three of the teens were shot in the leg and the fourth was shot in the stomach; all are expected to survive. Police say the shooting started as something of a dispute and the violence spread, although Newburgh’s Enlarged City School District said the shooting did not occur near its campuses.
Newburgh Police say there has been a 19% increase in violent crime compared to the same time last year, as well as an increase in shooting victims (31) in 2021.
The city of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley is home to some 28,000 people and for years has been plagued by a high level of crime and bricked-up houses. One in four Newburgh residents lives in poverty, according to census data.
“The physical and emotional safety of all who enter our school and district buildings continues to be our highest priority,” Acting District Superintendent Ed Forgit said in an email to parents Monday night.
“We understand that unrest in the local community can raise some feelings of anxiety in our students, families, teachers and staff. We ask you to remember that many rumors that have circulated did not turn out to be true. Rumors are often just that – sensationalized by word of mouth and the media. “
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