With new COVID-19 protocols and procedures being utilized in the school buildings, the Northport-East Northport School District is finding creative ways to get kids outside, where additional space and fresh air provide students with opportunities for mask breaks and a refresh during the day. 
At Bellerose Avenue school, teacher Barbara Bernstein incorporated an outdoor scavenger hunt into her first graders’ science lesson about observation. Students reviewed their outdoor rules, like “staying with the group” and “being kind to nature” before venturing out onto the schools’ expansive grounds. “We’re lucky that our schools have such beautiful scenery and grounds where students can explore and have space to socially distance and take mask breaks,” shared Bellerose Avenue Principal Lori Beekman. 
Another teacher, Debbie Ronan, holds a read-along on a beautiful fall day, allowing kids to sit on their own individual foam squares that act as portable, sanitary seating stations. At Pulaski Road School, a similar outdoor read-along takes place in third grade, and students at Ocean Avenue enjoy their morning meeting outdoors on days with nice weather. 
In physical education classes, circles spaced 12 feet apart have been painted on the grass fields giving our youngest students clear guidelines to maintain social distance while still being able to stay physically active. Physical education teachers Mrs. Miglio and Ms. Schaffer have kids play “Fitness Monopoly” to put a fun spin on their workouts, while Ms. Norman teaches students balance.