August 13, 2021
Dear Hendrick Hudson Families:
With the first day of school just under four weeks away, I realize there are many questions about the reopening of school and protocols related to COVID-19. Both the New York State Health Commissioner and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have consistently stated that schools should return to full-time, in-person learning for the upcoming school year, with layered prevention strategies.

Yesterday, the New York State Education Department (SED) provided 21 pages of guidance regarding the return to full-time, in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. While the SED does not have direct jurisdiction over matters of public health, the department does possess oversight authority for schools. Click here for the guidance document.

We are currently awaiting additional input from the Westchester County Executive, the Westchester County Department of Health and the incoming Governor. However, at this time, based on available SED guidance, we anticipate beginning the 2021-2022 school year with the following layered prevention strategies in place:

  • Schools will be open every day, to all students.
  • Schools will follow their regular schedules from the 2019-2020 school year, regarding start and end times.
  • Three feet of social distancing will be provided in classrooms and instructional spaces. Where possible, we will attempt to provide up to six feet of social distancing.
  • Masks will be required indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and students must wear masks while on the bus.
  • We will provide a short-term remote option for students who are COVID-19 positive and required to quarantine.
  • Back to School events will be held virtually - visitors to schools will be limited.
  • We will continue to utilize outdoor learning spaces for large gatherings, Physical Education and Music classes, and mask breaks.

The district plans to continue to implement additional prevention strategies, including:
  • Providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in all schools.
  • Conducting daily thorough cleaning of all classrooms and instructional spaces, especially high-contact areas.
  • Disinfecting all eating spaces after each use.
  • Restricting water fountain access.
  • Continuing to use recommended MERV filters.
  • Regularly testing all HVAC units, exhaust fans and air dampers.
  • Disinfecting all buses before the morning and afternoon runs.

Again, we are awaiting additional information from the County Executive, the County Department of Health, and the soon-to-be Governor. We have asked for more concrete guidance on the following topics and will provide you with updates, once they become available:
  • Daily health and temperature screener.
  • Notification process for positive COVID-19 cases.
  • The district’s ability to collect vaccination information from students and staff.
  • Procedures for high-risk athletics.
  • Quarantine requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated students and staff.

We are preparing for a successful school year and look forward to the full return of our students. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we await further clarification and guidance.

Wishing you a happy, healthy weekend.

Regards,

Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent
 
Visit our website at www.henhudschools.org
Hendrick Hudson School District, 61 Trolley Road, Montrose, NY 10548