The Watervliet City School District has learned of one new positive case of COVID-19 associated with an individual in our summer program at the elementary school. All contacts have been notified and advised to follow precautionary quarantine protocols as per the county health department.
This new case of COVID-19 serves as a reminder that the virus continues to pose a threat, especially for those who are not vaccinated. For that reason, we strongly encourage eligible students 12 years of age and older and staff members to get the COVID-19 vaccination prior to the start of school in September.
The COVID-19 vaccine will be available for age-eligible students during two clinics Whitney Young Health is offering in August for school physicals and immunizations required for school. The clinics will take place Tuesday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School. Parents or guardians who are interested should call Whitney Young Health at 518-407-0172 to schedule an appointment for their child(ren) for physicals and/or mandated immunizations, as well as COVID vaccinations. Staff members interested in a COVID-19 vaccination may also call Whitney Young for an appointment.
Albany County is also offering several community vaccine clinics throughout August. View a list of sites for upcoming vaccination clinics
Planning for the 2021-22 school year
As we reach mid-summer, many of our families, teachers and staff have questions about what to expect for the new school year. Right now, we are planning for a full in-person return to school in September and are considering multi-layered prevention strategies to protect the health and safety of our students and staff. At this time, we are waiting on guidance from the New York State Department of Health and Albany County health officials and will share more details with our families and staff once our plan is finalized.
For students who cannot attend school in person due to pre-existing medical conditions or special health care needs, we anticipate being able to offer a remote learning option through the Capital Region BOCES. Families will be required to provide medical documentation from their physician or healthcare provider that indicates a medical condition that would prohibit their child from participating in in-person learning.
Please know that the health and safety of our students, families and staff remain our highest priority and we greatly appreciate your continued cooperation and patience. Thank you.
(This message was sent to district families and staff via One Call Now email on August 2, 2021)