Roslyn Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 

November 20, 2020
 
Dear Roslyn Families, 
 
This past October, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo released new guidance that defines how schools may respond when a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases impact their neighborhoods. This micro-cluster strategy includes Yellow, Orange, and Red zones.

As of yet, Roslyn Public Schools has not been identified as in a cluster zone and no restrictions have been implemented. Unfortunately that can change quickly. Our district administration team is very closely monitoring the concerning data trends as we strive to provide our students and staff with a safe and healthy educational environment. However, as colder weather and the holiday season approaches, case numbers are expected to rapidly increase, and I want to explain the ramifications of Roslyn Schools falling into one of these zones determined by Governor Cuomo:
  • YELLOW Positive COVID-19 testing average above 2.5% (7-day rolling average positivity above 2.5% for 10 days and 10 or more new daily cases per 100,000 residents on a 7-day average.)
    • School buildings that remain open will be mandated to provide random COVID-19 test results for 20% of each school population.
       
  • ORANGE Positive COVID-19 testing average above 3% (7-day rolling average positivity above 3% for 10 days and 10 or more new daily cases per 100,000 residents on a 7-day average.)
    • In order to reopen, ALL students, faculty, and staff must test negative before returning to campus.
    • Following reopening, districts will be required to provide weekly random testing results of 25-percent of the combined student, faculty, and staff for each school population.
    • Schools buildings will switch to remote learning immediately.
       
  • RED Positive COVID-19 testing average above 4% (7-day rolling average positivity above 4% for 10 days and 10 or more new daily cases per 100,000 residents on a 7-day average.)
    • In order to reopen, ALL students, faculty, and staff must test negative before returning to campus.
    • Following reopening, districts will be required to provide weekly random testing results of 25-percent of the combined student, faculty, and staff for each school population.
    • Schools buildings will switch to remote learning immediately.
In the event that Roslyn School District is notified by the State that we fall into either the Orange or Red Zone, we will switch to remote learning immediately. However, if we fall into the Yellow Zone, we have been advised by State Officials on behalf of the Governor's office that we are to work with the Nassau County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health who will provide the necessary testing that may assist in keeping our schools open.
 
Our district is in Tier 1, Nassau County-a densely populated area. If Tier 1 is identified as a Yellow Zonethe New York State Department of Health has determined that schools open to in-person instruction in Yellow Zones are required to test 20% of in-person students, teachers and staff within a two week period immediately following a Yellow Zone announcement. If the results of such testing reveal that the positivity rate among the 20% of those tested is lower than the Yellow Zone's current 7-day positivity rate, testing at that school will no longer be required to continue.

We are presently awaiting further clarification of the guidance. Our district administrators are in constant communication with local medical providers and government officials to determine if and when such large scale testing is possible and available for implementation. Although we are determined to keep our schools open for in-person learning, testing of this magnitude presents myriad challenges for all, including the local health department, medical providers, the school district, as well as our staff and families. For this reason, now more than ever, it is critically important for everyone in our community to follow the health and safety guidelines set by New York State.

Across New York State, an increase in COVID-19 infections has pushed some districts into the Red and Orange Zones. One thing is clear- human behavior impacts cluster infections. Therefore, I urge you to do everything in your power to keep that from happening in our community.

Please continue to monitor the health of your children and yourselves, as well as cooperate with contact tracing protocolswear masks, and practice social distancing. Doctors, scientists, and healthcare professionals are advocating for people to stay home and celebrate the holidays virtually with family and friends in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. For the sake of our community, please consider minimizing all the risks that you possibly can.      
                 
More information regarding the zone designations can be found on the 

As a reminder, these guidelines are subject to change based on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We will keep you informed if the zone status of the Roslyn School District changes. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our COVID Coordinator, Keith Macias, at kmacias@roslynschools.org

Thank you for your continued cooperation and partnership in our ongoing efforts to keep our schools open for in-person learning while providing our students and staff a safe and healthy environment.
 
Sincerely,
Allison Brown
Superintendent of Schools