Dear City School District of New Rochelle Family:
The City School District of New Rochelle remains committed to maintaining as safe an environment as possible in our schools so that in-person teaching and learning may continue. To that end, COVID-19 protocols continue to be updated to align with quickly evolving guidance from county, state, and federal public health officials, especially in light of the highly contagious Omicron strain.
Families received two communications this week. A letter on Monday outlined revised protocols (please read the English and Spanish documents at the underlined links). On Tuesday, an overview was shared regarding mandated saliva testing for students participating in middle and high school athletics and elevated-risk extracurricular activities. The letter also urged all students in all grades to register for voluntary saliva testing to help safeguard our schools and community.
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, I presented an update on protocols. A key message that was shared: Students who are exposed to COVID, but are vaccinated and experiencing no symptoms, will in most cases be allowed to stay in school. Each case will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to protect our schools and community.
Please view the document presented to the Board of Education here. Highlights:
The Westchester County Department of Health determines when a student must be isolated or quarantined.
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Unvaccinated: A student who is not vaccinated and who comes within 3 feet of a COVID-positive student in the classroom setting for at least 15 minutes, or comes within 6 feet of a COVID-positive student or adult in any other setting for at least 15 minutes, must be excluded from school.
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Vaccinated: A student who is vaccinated and who comes within 3 feet of a COVID-positive student within the classroom setting for at least 15 minutes, or comes within 6 feet of a COVID-positive student or adult in any other setting for at least 15 minutes -- but is asymptomatic (showing no signs of infection) -- may stay in school. It is recommended that the student get a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test three to five days after exposure.
Virtual instruction will be provided to students who:
- Are diagnosed with COVID.
- Have been quarantined/excluded from school due to COVID exposure.
- Are part of a school district COVID event, for example a classroom closure due to insufficient staffing. Contingency plans are being developed to share staff among buildings if needed. One option includes particular classes pivoting to remote instruction.
Special protocols for athletics and other elevated-risk activities:
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Middle and high school students involved in athletics and elevated-risk extracurricular activities must be saliva-tested weekly, regardless of vaccination status. Please review the saliva-testing message for details.
- For high school winter sports, each New Rochelle athlete will be permitted to have five spectators; their names and contact information must be submitted to the Athletics Department by 1 p.m. on game day. (Visiting players will be allowed two spectators.)
- Student athletes and adults traveling to tournaments must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to the event and submit proof of a negative PCR COVID test 48 to 72 hours in advance. Only two students may occupy a hotel room, and congregating will not be permitted. Within three days of returning home, athletes must take another PCR test and submit proof of a negative result to the Health Office.
In addition, two announcements were made during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting:
- Our school district understands and appreciates the concerns of parents and guardians regarding the current increase in COVID cases. As such, COVID-related school absences for this week will be excused.
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An email address has been established to answer COVID safety questions from the community. Please send questions to covidquestions@nredlearn.org. A response will be provided in as timely a manner as possible.
Also at the Board meeting, Superintendent Jonathan Raymond reiterated his belief that, “There is nothing more important that a school district can do than to give students a sense of identity, agency, and belonging. We know that the best way to accomplish this is through in-person teaching and learning.”
Keeping our children in school is a shared responsibility. If your family is traveling, please be mindful of COVID protection techniques. If symptoms emerge, or you have been in contact with someone who has COVID, please get tested prior to returning to school.
We look forward to welcoming back everyone on January 3, 2022. Should there be any developments that impact our ability to return to in-person instruction after the break, updates will be provided.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!
Sincerely,
Dr. Corey W. Reynolds
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
