On Monday, students will be back in school following their holiday break but not necessarily back at school. Some districts, including Yonkers Public Schools, are opting to go remote because of skyrocketing COVID cases.

Superintendent Edwin Quezada called it a painful decision to have to go to remote learning. As of last week, there was a 25% positivity rate and many staff members in quarantine.

News 12 received a document from school leaders outlining what parents need to do to prepare for remote learning and get kids back in classrooms by Jan. 10. Students will need a computer, laptop, or tablet with internet access. If that's an issue, the district says you need to contact your child's principal.

All administrators, teachers and staff will be in their schools on Monday and ready to help students by email.

Also, many people will need to keep an eye out for an update about free at-home tests that will be available for pick up this week. Gov. Kathy Hochul who announced last week that testing in schools is part of her plan to keep schools open and to curb the spread of COVID this winter.

There are around 3 million teachers, employees, and students at New York public schools.

The state has about 13 million at-home tests they'll be distributing to schools through Monday, and they have another 24 million tests they've bought.

In addition, Yonkers Public School students or employees are eligible to receive a rapid test today at one of three locations. These tests are separate from the at-home tests that will be distributed this upcoming week.

Yonkers isn't the only district going virtual after the winter break. New Rochelle schools will be remote next week too. Mount Vernon schools will continue to be remote until Jan. 18.