Onondaga Nation- On Wednesday, August 4,2021, the Onondaga Nation Council met with Onondaga Nation School (ONS) Principal Simone Gonyea to delineate the safeguards to reopen in-person learning at ONS in the fall of 2021.
“The safety of our community is paramount,” said Chief Sid Hill. “We have multigenerational homes so we must be watchful of the pandemic.”
The document presented to the LaFayette School District will allow students to return to in-person learning.
“I’m grateful for the guidance and the thoughtfulness of the document provided by the Council,” said Principal Gonyea. “We can definitely make this work.”
This past summer, the Onondaga Council approved a limited orientation summer-school experience for the students at ONS.
“The summer-school orientation has really helped,” said Principal Gonyea. “We were able to present to the students how school will work in the fall with masks and social distancing. The staff and the students were able to adjust and learn in a new kind of safe learning environment.”
In preparation for reopening, many factors hindered school’s reopening.
“There are many needs for the school that have not been met,” said Chief Hill. “The school is in need of improvements that the New York State Education Department has not properly addressed.”
While ONS will be reopening for in-person learning in the fall, the school will also offer a virtual learning option.
“We know that many families may still be hesitant about returning to in-person learning,” said Principal Gonyea. “But we are prepared to offer a virtual learning option as well for parents. But we are so excited to see the children to be able to come back ONS. The students bring such great energy. I can’t wait.”
ONS plans to reopen on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.