Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada said the district is following the New York State education and health departments' guidance and social distancing guidelines.
The transition is designed to ensure the health and safety of every individual in school buildings, and millions of dollars have been spent on ventilation repairs, masks, and body temperature scanners to protect the safety of students and staff.
"Children, more significantly urban children, thrive when they are in school taught by highly qualified, caring educators and supporting adults," Dr. Quezada said. "Nothing can replace in-person teaching and learning. A recent District survey disclosed that more than two-thirds of our families want in-person instruction for their children."
Related: 1st day of in-person learning for NYC middle and high schoolers
1st day back to class for NYC middle and high schools
He cited the structure and routine that in-school learning provides.
"They want the stability provided by public schools," he said. "Our job is to ensure Yonkers students and families continue to have confidence that, despite the challenges, we will deliver the best education possible, as we have in the past."
WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic
Eyewitness to a Pandemic: Episode 4 - The Apex
RELATED: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut out-of-state travelers quarantine list
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
Back to school information
How coronavirus changed the New York region
Do you have coronavirus symptoms?
What's Open, What's Closed in the Tri-State area
COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
UPDATES
New York City
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut
abc7NY Phase Tracker: