August 16, 2021
Dear Roslyn Families,
We are excited to welcome all students back on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 with full-time, in-person instruction that allows for more structured school days and activities. Be assured that when school opens, the district will continue to follow and adapt to best practices and continue to implement our multi-layered strategy to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the State Education Department (SED) and the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) have advised school districts to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and work in conjunction with their District’s Medical Director for the opening of schools regarding COVID-19 protocols. Click here to review the Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools. Below you will find a summary of the guidance that the Roslyn School District will follow when students return this September.
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If transmission levels rise, our schools will be prepared for all contingencies such as increasing physical distancing to minimize transmission, requiring COVID-19 surveillance testing and/or preparing to pivot to remote instruction as necessary.
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If transmission levels decline, our schools will be prepared to remove mask requirements and other COVID-19 procedures and protocols.
MASKS
For the return to school, indoor mask use will be universally required for all students and staff. This practice will reduce the number of quarantine cases that result in an interruption of learning time. We will evaluate this practice as conditions and recommendations change. Masks will NOT be required outside.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
CDC guidance presently recommends at least 3 feet of physical distance between students in classrooms when possible. Whenever possible, classes and lunch periods will be held outside.
TESTING
Advanced Cardiological Diagnostics will continue to provide COVID antigen and antibody testing on weekends on the grounds of Roslyn High School. Appointments can be booked via the link on the district website.
VENTILATION
Merv 13 filters are installed in every building. Windows will remain open for additional circulation. Air conditioning has been installed in all educational spaces. Air purifiers will be located in areas of the buildings to further improve the air quality.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus windows will be open at all times for proper ventilation. Masks must be worn on buses at all times.
HANDWASHING AND RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE
Everyone should continue to practice handwashing and cover coughs and sneezes. Hand sanitizing machines are available throughout the school buildings.
STAY HOME WHEN SICK AND GET TESTED
Stay home if you are sick. Get tested if you have symptoms. This is essential in keeping COVID-19 infections out of our schools and will prevent spread to others.
CONTACT TRACING
School officials will notify teachers, staff, and families of students if they are close contacts as soon as possible after they are notified that someone in the school building has tested positive. Proper mask wearing will result in significantly reducing any likelihood of a mandated quarantine. Fully vaccinated individuals are not subject to quarantine.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
Our cleaning protocols are very efficient at removing potential germs on surfaces. Any space where someone has tested positive for COVID-19 will be cleaned AND disinfected.
VISITORS
The district will limit nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations at this time.
VACCINES
COMMUNICATION
Going forward, district communication related to COVID-19 will be streamlined and emails will be kept to a minimum. All notifications of confirmed cases will be sent by building principals and an accounting of confirmed cases will be tracked on the Roslyn School District COVID-19 Dashboard, which will be posted on our district website and updated daily.
Our overall goals for the 2021-2022 school year is to keep students and staff healthy, safe and our schools open while providing a supportive learning environment. In consultation with our district medical director, the NCDOH, and following current CDC guidance, we have formulated a well-organized plan to provide for a safe start to the school year, and we look forward to getting back to an enjoyable and robust academic environment. Undoubtedly, the year will have new challenges that we will meet and address. Please continue to keep in mind that our protocols must remain flexible and subject to change, based on the latest circumstances and health guidance.
Building principals will host Zoom presentations regarding protocols for each school building. Invitations with links will be sent out from each school. At that time, you will be able to ask any questions you may have. All sessions will be recorded and emailed out. The schedule is as follows:
- East Hills Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 9am
- Harbor Hill Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 9am
- Heights Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 10:30am
- Roslyn Middle School Wednesday, August 25th
- 6th grade: 1pm
- 7th & 8th grades: 2pm
- Roslyn High School Thursday, August 26 - 1pm
Enjoy the rest of your summer. See you in September!
Sincerely,
Allison Brown
Superintendent of Schools
