The Sachem Central School District is tightening safety protocols as a growing number of students are out due to COVID..

It is increasing social distancing and opening windows slightly to allow more air flow in classrooms.

The district is also not allowing visitors inside building and making all meetings with parents virtual.

Parents tell News 12 they are in favor of the new COVID protocols if they keep schools open and students in the classroom.

"Not only for their social development but because of a lot of anxiety, depression, people not seeing their friends," says Phil, a resident from Sachem.

However, the school says they are continuing to follow the New York state in-person learning recommendation, saying in part, "At this time the district is not planning on going remote overall or to offer a remote option."

The letter sent to parents says the school will be closely monitoring all the factors that went into this decision.

News 12 reached out to the district, and it declined to go on camera.