EFFECTIVE March 2, 2022
Students
As you are aware, the statewide universal mask mandate for schools was lifted as of today, March 2, 2022. This means that the majority of students, staff and school visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in our school buildings or school buses. Here is some information you should know with the initial release of guidance from NYS.
ARE MASKS REQUIRED IN SCHOOL OR ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION?
No. The state requirement for universal masking ended on March 2, 2022 and encompasses all district activities, including: in-person instruction, transportation, and all extra-curricular activities.
Students, staff, faculty, and visitors maintain the ability to continue wearing a mask if they desire and the district will support their decision.
IS THERE A TIME WHEN MASKING IS REQUIRED?
The NYSDOH requires that students wear masks upon returning to school after a positive COVID diagnosis (Days 6-10 of their isolation period). Individuals who are required to wear masks in school, must also wear a mask on school transportation or when participating in any extra-curricular activities.
DOES THE REMOVAL OF THE MASK MANDATE CHANGE THE “ZONE OF EXPOSURE”?
In settings where masks are not worn, anyone within a 6-foot radius of an infected person shall be considered “exposed”.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS BEEN EXPOSED AT SCHOOL?
The district will continue to notify of COVID-positive cases in buildings and departments.
WILL MY CHILD BE REQUIRED TO BE TESTED?
Symptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should be tested. The district has a large supply of at home test should parents, or community members need test kits, please contact Brooke Hover (1314) or Laura Nichols (1315) at 518-642-1051 and we will be happy to provide them to you.
WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT MY SYMPTOMATIC CHILD TESTED?
Symptomatic individuals who are not tested must stay home for 5 days or until other criteria are met for school attendance. Upon returning to school, untested symptomatic students must wear a mask for days 6-10 of the isolation period.
I [or my student] HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO A COVID POSITIVE INDIVIDUAL, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Contact tracing and case investigations are following the state's newest guidelines. Please read the NYS Contact Tracing & Case Investigation FAQs here for further instruction.
WILL MY CHILD BE REQUIRED TO QUARANTINE DUE TO AN EXPOSURE?
The NYSDOH recommends exposed or potentially exposed individuals follow the NYSDOH Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for testing and masking.
I AM EXPERIENCING COVID-LIKE SYMPTOMS, HOW SHOULD I PROCEED?
Students who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status, must be excluded from attending school. Students may return to school under one of the following conditions:
- The students receive an alternate medical diagnosis from their primary care physician, or
- The student receives a negative PCR test or
- The student receives two negative “At Home” rapid tests within 36 hours.
MY STUDENT WAS COVID POSITIVE AND HAS COMPLETED THEIR REQUIRED PERIOD OF ISOLATION/QUARANTINE, HOW DO THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL?
As always, we remain committed to keeping our students in school, while providing a safe learning environment for all. We will continue to follow a tiered mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of illness in our schools and on our buses. This includes enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures and improved ventilation as the weather warms.
As always, we remain in close contact with state and local health officials and are committed to providing staff and families with clear, updated information on the latest health and safety guidance. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to keep our students and staff healthy, and our students in school. Any questions regarding this information can be forwarded to Superintendent McGurl or Mrs. Hover.