The Smithtown school children deserve better. With multiple surrounding districts set to open on a 5 day schedule, Smithtown needs to readdress their current plan to only open on a hybrid model. Many children in our district have needed services and therapies that are not being properly addressed with the virtual program. Many families are a 2 income household and will have no way of maintaining a job if they have to be home 2 days or 3 days a week. It is the responsibility of the district to do what is best for our children from an educational format. New York State asked the districts to provide them with a plan of reopening. Multiple districts have been approved by the state for a 5 day a week schedule. Our board members are using their own opinions on what is safe for our children, teachers and families. They are hiding behind words such as "State Guidelines" and "Regulations" but obviously, the State is approving a 5 day a week schedule and there is no reason that we should not be offered the same. Smithtown currently has 2 unopened schools to accommodate proper space for social distance learning and 2 superintendents that are using up hundreds of thousands of dollars that could assist to properly address our plan. I am asking you to stand up with me and let the district and Mr. Zeldin know how we feel on this matter. I am asking you to do what is best for our children and the future. I am asking for Mr. Zeldin's help by reaching out to our Board of Education members and our superintendents and ask them to reconsider their plan and that is better suited for our children.  Please sign this petition to have our voices heard and hope that the district makes the necessary changes to their opening plan.