I would like to thank you all for the continued support and flexibility that you have shown during the many changes that have occurred over the past year. As a District, we are committed to doing everything we can in order to offer in-person instruction in a safe and responsible manner.
Recently we shared information about Governor Cuomo’s Micro Cluster Strategy regarding color coded zones. On Monday, January 4, he stated that schools in counties which have a positivity rate of 9% or higher will need to test 20% of in-person students and staff in order to remain open.
To help us prepare for testing should our area remain above the 9% threshold, please consider giving consent for school-based COVID-19 testing by filling out the Consent for Student COVID-19 Testing Form. If you consent, your child may be randomly selected to receive a free COVID-19 Rapid Test. Our intention is to have a parent/guardian accompany a student should they choose to participate. More information on testing will be available once finalized. Below is a demonstration of how the testing will take place, though each school district will vary on specific logistics.
Students who are learning 100% virtually do not need to fill out this form. Please note that these tests are non-invasive and are not the deep-swab procedures performed at medical facilities.
Testing is not mandatory for students, however, if we do not receive consent from at least 20%, we would likely be forced to shift to full remote instruction for students in grades K-12. Random testing will occur in each school building.
We will keep you informed of any developments and plans for state-mandated COVID-19 testing at our schools. Please remember to continue to follow all health and safety precautions to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Sincerely,
Jason Chevrier
Superintendent of Schools
