Since my last communication, several cases of the Coronavirus have appeared in New York. We continue to receive daily updates from health authorities, we are monitoring the situation very closely, and are developing contingency plans in case school closings become necessary.
As the virus becomes more widespread, the Departments of Health at the state and local level, in consultation with the State Education Department, will take the lead in making determinations about possible school closings and other measures to control the spread of infection. In addition, health authorities will decide whether an individual who has returned from an affected country needs to be monitored, and when a student or staff member may return to school. The school district will receive notification on these matters directly from the Department of Health.
While we do not yet anticipate school closings, the district is developing plans in the event it becomes necessary. While a full school experience is not possible through remote technology, we will endeavor to offer some continuity of instruction to the extent possible.
Once again, our custodial staff continues to make an exceptional effort to disinfect frequently handled surfaces like doorknobs, handrails and keyboards. We continually reiterate messages about personal hygiene, including proper hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. If your children show signs of illness, please keep them home from school until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication). Please contact the principal and/or school nurse in your building if you have any questions or concerns.
The latest information about the Coronavirus can be found on these websites:
NYS Department of Health
