Mask Optional Policy Changes with Covid Contacts and Positives

Although Mask Optional policies allow more freedom in terms of mask-wearing, it presented a number of challenges to the CDC and NY Department of Health where incidents of close contact and positive Covid cases occur in schools.

New York’s DOH released guidance for schools, but it did not address special needs students like ours. Working closely with the Ulster County DOH, our Covid Response Team developed the protocols that satisfy CDC guidelines, while keeping the special circumstances of our students and staff in mind. 

These guidelines include both in-school and out-of-school exposure. It is very important for families to inform our Covid Response Coordinator, Dan Uttendorfer, of a possible close contact by your student when not in school.

Although your student will not have to quarantine, Dan will let you know when to test your child for Covid, and how long they should wear a mask as tolerated.

Much of the new guidance is based on timely and regular testing and mask-wearing after a confirmed or possible exposure, and subsequent mask-wearing after infection.

For newly updated information about our new policy, Click Here!
Just like last year, Spectrum Services will have many ways for everyone to get involved in helping to raise awareness about our Hudson Valley loved ones with Autism.

We’ll have fundraising events, guest speaker forums, and ways for you to support your Spectrum Services student and their classmates.

You can even use your Facebook page to help raise funds during April to support the life-changing work done at Spectrum Services.

Have an idea for a fundraiser on your own, or with a business you work with? Let our Development Office know by emailing them your idea: Click Here.

We'll send more information just before April, but mark your calendar now for Autism Acceptance Month.
We Are Sending You
At-Home Tests Kits!

As testing is now a major part of Covid mitigation efforts, we're sending a box of 2 Covid tests home with each student. Expect these in the next day or two.

These can be used for your child, or other family member that might be experiencing symptoms, or who has possibly had a close contact with someone who's recently tested positive.

Remember, when you next need another box of at-home Covid tests, reach out to your Family Service Coordinator, or order from the Federal Government by Clicking Here.
Parent Groups and Workshops for March
At Spectrum Services we believe that parents must be partners in their child’s educational program. For this reason we offer Parent Support and Parent Workshops free for any parent of a child with a developmental disability. Funding is provided through grants from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Click on any of the workshop for details.

Learn how to empower your child and create independence in daily living skills.

What is music therapy? Why music therapy? How can it be used to improve attention, communication, social interaction, and group collaboration?
Magnet Fundraiser!
Eleven year old artist Julian Eppard in our Gold Class is raising funds to support Spectrum Services.

Enjoy a set of his original art die-cut magnets, just perfect for any refrigerator or other metal surface.

At $10, they make the perfect gift, and all while supporting the school. Click Here
We are grateful for Spectrum Services Annual Sponsors, who support our students and families.
The Medical Community Continues to Say Vaccines Prevent Covid

Please remember vaccines are available for children older than 5 years.

If your child isn't vaccinated yet, and is eligible, we encourage you to consult with your child's pediatrician about getting them vaccinated against Covid.
70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston NY 12401 - 4 Yankee Place, Ellenville, NY 12428