This message was sent to all families on March 3, 2022.
Dear Families,
The Governor announced this week that the statewide mask requirement in schools was ending effective March 2. With that, mask use in school and on school transportation is now optional. After reviewing the guidance from the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department, there are some additional changes to our protocols we’d like you to be aware of.
We will continue to notify parents of students who are exposed to a positive case of COVID-19 via letter or email.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status), they must isolate at home for five full days. If they have no symptoms or their symptoms are resolving after five days, they can end isolation and return to school on the sixth day with a “release from isolation” from the NYS Department of Health. Upon returning to school from isolation after a COVID-19 infection, masking is required during days six through ten.
If your child is a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, quarantining is no longer required, but they should wear a mask in school for 10 days after exposure. Testing on Day 5 is also recommended. If symptoms develop, get tested immediately and isolate until results are received. If your child is symptomatic and no COVID testing is completed, they are required to isolate for five days.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid being a close contact or risk infecting others is to continue to follow the mitigation protocols which have served us well over the past two years and which are still in place. These include physical distancing and staying home if you are sick.
While masks are optional on school district transportation, high school students who are utilizing CDTA will be required to comply with their policy regarding the use of face masks.
As we shared previously, with masks being optional, respect for the personal decisions of others is of the utmost importance. We expect civility and tolerance toward each other at all times.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call your building principal or nurse.
As I have said throughout this pandemic, the health and safety of our students and staff continues to be our top priority, and we appreciate your support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
John Carmello
Superintendent of Schools