I am following up with my recent communications regarding the return to school and the fact that we continue to await detailed guidance from the state and county regarding COVID-19 safety protocols. Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined some of the actions she anticipates taking, saying that her number one priority is “getting children back to school and protecting the environment so they can learn safely.”
Here are some highlights from yesterday’s address:
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The governor has directed the NYS Department of Health to institute a universal mask requirement in all schools, public and private. The Department of Health will issue the requirement through regulatory action established by the Public Health and Health Planning Council.
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The governor announced that she will be pursuing options to mandate vaccines for school employees or require weekly testing in the absence of vaccines.
- The state is anticipating launching a voluntary, back-to-school testing program. As more details emerge, we will share all necessary information with our school district families.
NYS Commissioner of Education, Dr. Betty A. Rosa, expressed her support for the governor’s plans, saying, “Governor Hochul's action, taken after consultation with educators, demonstrates her commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students and the importance of keeping our schools open. The State Education Department supports a consistent application of masking requirements in schools, easing the return to school with a common line of defense against the spread of the COVID variant.”
While the state and county continue to iron out specifics, we are moving forward with the following:
- 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 and mask breaks.
We will continue to keep you updated, as new details emerge regarding the above, as well as quarantine requirements and contact tracing.
In other business, please note that tonight’s Board of Education meeting will be held at 7:00 pm in the high school cafeteria. Parking is behind the school and entry is solely through the cafeteria doors at the back of the school.
Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent
