Education

Following the big new this week that "high-risk" sports, namely boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and competitive cheerleading, could begin a foreshortened season on Monday, South Fork school districts grappled with whether that was in their students' best interests.

For children residing in the Springs School District who will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1 this year, registration for the district’s prekindergarten program in the 2021-22 school year is officially open.

On two Wednesdays in Feburary, the school will offer tests to students and staff who have indicated their willingness. Like many schools, Springs has been plagued by Covid-related disruptions and staff and student quarantines.

High-risk high school sports including wrestling, basketball, and competitive cheerleading can resume again in Suffolk, County Executive Steve Bellone announced Monday. The season will run from Feb. 1 through Feb. 27.

East Hampton High's winter sports seasons were still on hold as of this week, the second week in a row that the school's students were learning remotely. "It hurts — they were just getting into a routine, and then were cut off."

East Hampton High School and Middle School will return to their usual hybrid learning plan starting Monday, but the John M. Marshall Elementary School will continue with remote learning through at least Friday, Jan. 29.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli last week announced that the state-imposed cap on tax levy increases for schools will be 1.23 percent this year, which heralds the start of public schools' budget discussions for the 2021-22 school year.

The Greater East Hampton Education Foundation has extended the deadline for schools to submit applications for its mini grant program, which provides students with educational opportunities that fall outside school budgets.

The East Hampton School Board on Tuesday formally promoted Adam Fine, the high school's former principal who became assistant superintendent this year, to the role of superintendent for the 2021-22 school year.

Art workshops, nature walks, a reading challenge, and more coming up for babies, kids, and teens.

Depending on the weather, East Hampton's Little League organization could begin outdoor clinics for 8 through 12-year-old boys and girls at the Pantigo fields in East Hampton this weekend.

The fitness and empowerment sessions for middle school girls will begin a new virtual session on Feb. 1, allowing girls to take part no matter where they live. Parent meetings this week via Zoom will introduce families to the program.