COVID-19/Coronavirus Information and Resources

Given that this is a fluid and developing situation, we will use this web page to share information and resources as circumstances warrant.

Any time-sensitive, critical information will be shared via e-mail through the district’s One Call Now notification system.

Update: Thursday, May 14, 2020
Update: Friday, May 1, 2020
Update: Thursday, April 16, 2020
Update: Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Update: Friday, April 3, 2020 
Update: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Update: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 
Update: Monday, March 23, 2020 
Update: Friday, March 20, 2020 
Update: Thursday, March 19, 2020 
Update: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 
Update: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 
Update: Monday, March 16, 2020 
Update #2: Friday, March 13, 2020 
Update #1: Friday, March 13, 2020 
Update: Thursday, March 12, 2020
Update: Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Update: Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020

Information and Resources

View the district’s Continuity of Learning Plan

Update May 14

Important end-of-year information

As June approaches, we are receiving more frequent questions from our families and staff about when the school year will officially end. After reviewing our school calendar and counting days to make sure we meet the State Education Department’s 180 instructional days requirement and fulfill the district’s contractual obligations, we have determined that the last day of school for Watervliet students and staff will be Wednesday, June 17, barring further guidance from the state.

Our calculation of the school year includes the instructional days on Good Friday (April 10) through the end of spring recess (April 17), as mandated under executive order. It also includes previously scheduled days off in May that now will be instructional days, as follows:

• Friday, May 22 – instructional day – school in session (remotely)
• Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day holiday – no school
• Tuesday, May 26 – instructional day – school in session (remotely)

End-of-Year Celebrations

Planning is underway for the special events and celebrations that take place for our students and families at the end of the school year. Building leaders, students, and faculty advisors are working together to come up with creative plans for moving up celebrations and graduation activities.

In planning these events, we must be mindful about public health and social distancing measures that are necessary due to the ongoing concerns relative to COVID-19. We appreciate your patience and assure you that we are working to make the best decisions we can with our students in mind.

Although these events may look different this year, our goal remains the same: to commemorate the milestones and achievements of students in special and memorable ways. Information about specific events will be shared as the details are finalized.

Student Belongings

We are currently developing a plan for returning student belongings that will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Building principals will communicate with students and families as details become available.

Budget Vote and Board Elections

Previously, the Governor announced that the school budget vote and board of education election will take place on Tuesday, June 9, by absentee ballot only due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19.

We are working to finalize the school district’s 2020-21 budget, with plans for the Board of Education to adopt the budget proposal during the regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19.

More information about the budget vote

View list of upcoming meetings

When our schools first shut down in March, none of us imagined that we would not return for the remainder of the school year. We recognize the challenges at-home learning presents for families, and thank you for your continued patience and understanding as our teachers and staff work to ensure students remain engaged in learning though the end of the year. Please know that as a school district, we will continue to do all we can to make sure our students, families and staff are supported as much as possible.

Please stay healthy and safe!

Update May 1

Schools to remain closed through the end of the 2019-20 academic year

As you may have already heard, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced during his May 1 press briefing that all New York schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-20 school year in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This news, while not completely unexpected, still seems somewhat surreal. As educators, the idea of not seeing our students again this year saddens us.

Our immediate plan for the rest of the 2019-20 school year is to continue to provide remote learning and instructional materials, student support, and meals for students just as we have been doing since March:

• Online instruction will continue for students K-12
  • Grades 9-12 virtual class schedule
  • View grades 7-8 virtual class schedule
• Free breakfast and lunch will be provided every day, Monday through Friday
• Student Support Team contact information

We also are working with regional partners to share information about childcare resources that are available to families of essential workers. View childcare opportunities for essential workers

Update April 16

School closure extended to May 15

During his daily press briefing today, Thursday, April 16, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his NY PAUSE order will continue through May 15, meaning that schools and nonessential businesses will remain closed during this time in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. View the governor’s executive order that includes the school closure extension.

In the meantime, our school district will continue to provide online learning and support for students, free meals for students in need, and share information about childcare resources for essential workers throughout the extended school closure. We will continue to monitor all available guidance and directives and inform you of any further changes.

School budget vote and board elections delayed amid public health concerns
An executive order issued earlier this month by the Governor has delayed all school budget votes and school board elections in New York originally scheduled for May 19 until at least June 1 based on public health concerns.

As a result, the Watervliet Board of Education has postponed the adoption of its budget, previously scheduled to take place during the April 23 meeting. We will provide more information about the annual school budget vote and timeline when it becomes available.

(This update was sent to families and staff via One Call Now email on April 16)

Update April 8

School closure extended through April 29, June Regents exams canceled

This week, Gov. Cuomo announced that due to ongoing public health concerns related to COVID-19/Coronavirus, the statewide school closure will be extended through April 29.

A reminder that during this time, schools are required to continue to provide online learning opportunities and meals for students (including on days originally scheduled as spring break), and share information about available childcare resources.

If the closure is not extended, we will return to school on-site on April 30. We will continue to monitor all available guidance and directives and keep you informed if this changes.

In addition, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has canceled the June 2020 Regents exams, and has announced that students will be able to earn diploma credit for courses without taking these exams. More information about the details of these requirements will be provided to students affected by this decision in the days ahead.

(This update was sent to families and staff via One Call Now email on April 8)

Update April 3

New instruction and learning

(This message was sent to WCSD families via One Call Now email)

The ongoing COVID-19/Coronavirus public health emergency has challenged everyone in different ways. For educators, it has resulted in finding new ways to support our students while they are not in our classrooms. A longer than expected school closure – currently through at least April 14 – means at-home learning will continue during this time.

While we recognize that instruction will not be the same as in a traditional classroom, our goal is to make sure that students have opportunities to continue learning new material guided by their teachers to prepare for the return to school.

To support this, we have worked as a district and as part of a larger effort with the Capital Region BOCES and our many neighboring school districts to gather and/or develop high-quality, standards-based lessons and resources and a framework for at-home learning that will best meet the needs of all children. The new resources are curriculum-based with an emphasis on concepts and skills that are essential for future learning. These resources also offer flexibility for teachers to adapt lessons that are appropriate for their students.

As a region, we also worked together on reasonable expectations for at-home learning, given these less-than-ideal circumstances. This includes a reduction in the amount of time students spend on at-home learning each week, and simplified grading measures.

Our expectation is that at-home learning time (including time spent learning new material, watching video lessons, participating in class discussions and completing assigned work and activities) will occur within these recommended guidelines:

• Grades K-2: 2.5 hours total per week for ELA and math, with an additional one hour per week for learning in PE, art and music (3.5 hours per week total)
• Grades 3-5: 4 hours total per week for ELA and math, with an additional one hour per week for learning in PE, art and music (5 hours per week total)
• Grades 6-8: 2 hours each per week for ELA, math, science and social studies, with an additional 2 hours per week for all other subject areas (10 hours per week total)
• Grades 9-12: 3 hours per week for each credit-bearing course (24 hours per week total)

A daily condensed schedule will provide structure and routine for students and parents, while also giving students flexibility to work outside of scheduled times. (See a sample daily schedule)

We will also suspend “formal” grading while our schools are closed. Instead, students will receive feedback in one the following ways:

• Evidence of Learning = The student has demonstrated learning of essential curriculum based on what was taught and assigned.
• Not Yet Learned = The student has not completed an assignment, or work completed does not yet demonstrate learning of essential curriculum. The student will be given the opportunity to redo and resubmit work to demonstrate learning.

The Watervliet Elementary School 2nd trimester achievement reports will include grades and student progress through March 16. The 3rd trimester achievement reports will include grades and student progress from our return date through the end of the year. No 3rd trimester interim reports will be given.

The Watervliet Junior/Senior High School 3rd quarter report cards will include grades and student progress through March 16. Students may submit make-up work that was due prior to March 16 by April 8 to be included in 3rd quarter report cards. The 4th quarter report cards will include grades and student progress from our return date through the end of the year. No 4th quarter interim reports will be given.

Our most important expectation for students is that they participate daily and connect with their teachers so that learning can continue. As parents and guardians, you are important partners and digital role models for your children to help them develop new routines to remain engaged in their learning during these unprecedented times.

Together, we can continue our mission of educating every student, every day!

We wish you and your families good health during these unprecedented times. Please remember that we are here to assist you and encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns or needs.

Update March 31

Governor’s executive order extends school closure

This message was sent to WCSD families via One Call Now email on March 31:

As you are likely aware, on March 27, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order closing schools until April 15. Our school district, like others around the state, is required to continue to provide remote/online learning, meals for students and childcare resources for essential workers during the closure, including days that were originally part of the scheduled spring break.

If the closure is not extended, we will return to school on-site on April 15, as per the governor’s executive order. We will continue to monitor all available guidance and directives and keep you informed if this changes.

Please visit our website for the following information:
• Instructional resources and information for students and families; 
• Meal distribution times and locations;  and
• Childcare resources for families of essential workers. 

We recognize that this is a stressful and challenging time. We are here to support you through it, and know that you are managing many personal and professional responsibilities. We remind you of what we often tell our students: “All we can do is our best.” We will get through this together.

Thank you all for your continued patience, understanding and support.

Update: Tuesday, March 24

School bus stops added as drop-off sites for free school meals

In an effort to better meet the needs of our families, free meals will be available for pick up at several new locations in the City of Watervliet.

Starting Wednesday, March 25, Watervliet school bus drivers will deliver meals to 15 regular bus stops in the community for students and families to pick up. The buses will be at the locations beginning at 9 a.m., and will remain at each stop for several minutes to allow time for students to pick up their meals and also practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet from each other.

Free meals will be distributed at the following times and bus stop locations:

Bus 1A

• 9:00–9:15 – Joslin Apartments – 24th Street & Whitehall
• 9:15–9:30 – M.J. Day Apartments – 21st Street & Whitehall
• 9:35–9:50 – Hilton Apartments – parking lot on 5th Street
• 9:55–10:10 – Wicked Smart – corner of 7th Street & 5th Ave.

Bus 2A

• 9:00–9:15 – Brotherhood Park – 24th Street side
• 9:20–9:35 – Corner of 16th Street & 6th Ave.
• 9:40–9:45 – Pershing Green – Corner of 4th Street & 2nd Ave.
• 9:45–9:50 – Corner of 2nd Street & 1st Ave.
• 9:50–9:55 – Schuyler Flats
• 10:00–10:15 – Corner of 4th Street & 8th Ave.

Bus 3A

• 9:00–9:15 – Highland Club – regular stop
• 9:20–9:35 – Van Rensselaer Village Apartments – flagpole
• 9:35–9:50 – The Dome – parking lot
• 9:55–10:00 – Douglas Industrial – 10th Street & 8th Ave.
• 10:00–10:10 – Corner of 12th Street & 5th Ave.

Watervliet food service workers will continue to prepare and provide meals in the “grab and go” format for children under the age of 18 from 8-10 a.m. at Watervliet Elementary School, 2557 Tenth Avenue and the Watervliet Civic Center, 14th Street & 1st Avenue.

Arrangements can be made to have meals delivered to homebound students, or in a case of emergency. Please call 518-629-3456 for information

UPDATE: Monday, March 23, 2020

State suspends grades 3-8 testing, city parks & playgrounds closed

NYS Grades 3-8 ELA and math assessments suspended

The State Education Department announced Friday, March 20, that all statewide exams for students in elementary and middle school have been suspended for the 2019-20 school year.

The state has suspended the following exams:

• Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Tests
• Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests
• Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test
• Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test
• Grades K-12 English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)
• Alternate Assessment for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school

Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rose and Interim Education Commissioner Shannon L. Tahoe said in a joint statement: “It is most important that during the time of closure, schools be able to continue to focus their efforts toward local school and community needs and not have to be concerned about preparing for state assessments.”

A reminder about new Executive Order: NYS on PAUSE

On Friday, March 20, Governor Cuomo issued a new Executive Order to “put New York State on PAUSE” (Policy to Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone) to help slow the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19.

An essential part of this state directive is the restriction of all non-essential gatherings of any size for any reason (social events, parties, celebrations). City residents are asked to voluntarily comply with the order. Given that, we are reminding all community members and district families that as of Monday, March 23, ALL parks and recreational facilities are closed in the City of Watervliet until further notice. This closure includes our school athletic fields and track at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School, and our playgrounds at Watervliet Elementary School.

To help mitigate the spread of the illness, community members also are reminded to:

• Maintain a minimum of 6-feet apart from each other;
• Limit the use of public transportation to only when absolutely necessary; and
• Stay home if you are sick, unless to receive medical care.

To view the entire 10-point NYS PAUSE order, visit:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause

Special Education Services during school closure

The letter was mailed to families of special education students on March 18, 2020 via USPS

Dear Families,
We appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times. While schools are closed during this public health crisis, the school district must ensure that students with disabilities also have equal access to distance learning opportunities provided to general education students. Read the letter in full

WMHT Public TV supports at-home learning for students from prekindergarten through high school

Local PBS station, WMHT Public Media, is offering an educational programming block targeted to support in-home learning for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 while schools are closed. More information about WMHT educational programming

Update: Friday, March 20, 2020

Important reminders about free meals pick-up, building access

A new directive from Governor Cuomo on March 20, mandates that 100% of the workforce stay home in an effort to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Only employees deemed critical to operations will be allowed in the workplace. For our schools, critical staff includes food service workers, maintenance/cleaning staff, and designated administrators.

Please note that during this closure, email is the recommended way to contact administrators and staff. Please visit our Contact Us page for a staff directory

Important reminders

All buildings will remain closed to the public through the March 31 closure. Outdoor facilities, including playgrounds, athletic fields and the track are also off-limits in an effort to keep groups from gathering and encourage social distancing. As difficult as this may be, please remind your children how vitally important it is to maintain a safe distance from one another to prevent the spread of illness.

Meals are available for all students

While our schools are closed we will continue to make sure families who depend on the school breakfast and lunch program will continue to have access to food for their children. Meals are offered for anyone who is 18 and younger.

Meals are available for pickup in the “grab and go” format from 8-10 a.m. Monday through Friday at the entrances to Watervliet Elementary School and the Watervliet Civic Center. A staff member will bring the meals to you.

Our “Food is Fuel” program continues for families that normally participate. Supply bags are available for pick up on Fridays between 8-10 a.m. at the elementary school.

Teaching/learning continues during the closure

Our teachers collaborated to create instructional resources that students can use for parent-guided and self-guided learning while school is closed. This is in the form of shared Google Classroom for grades 3-12 with links to resources and activities that will allow students to practice skills, review content and explore topics at home. More information and access to additional online resources

Chromebooks have been made available to all students in grades 3-12. Tech help for logging onto Chromebooks at home is available

Learning packets were delivered to students’ homes for prekindergarten to grade 2 students.

Additional support for students and families

Due to the closing of our schools, we are reaching out to our students and families to give additional support knowing that this is a difficult time. Our school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists are available via email throughout each day while we are closed. In addition, in the case of an emergency please see the following schedule of support staff who will be on call. You can reach out to our Student Support team using the email address supportstaff2020@vlietschools.org. Please note that the administrative team also will be on site for additional support if needed. View a schedule for support staff and email contact information

Update: Thursday, March 19, 2020

Coronavirus/COVID-19: Access to school buildings

To limit the number of people in our buildings at any given time, ONLY 11- and 12-month staff will be allowed in the buildings, beginning Monday, March 23.

With this extended school closure, we understand there may be students, parents/ guardians, teachers and staff who are concerned about items or belongings that were left in school. Given that, our school buildings will be open Friday, March 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for students/guardians and/or staff members to retrieve necessary items/supplies.

All individuals must go to the main office of the schools and sign in before going to lockers or classrooms.

Also, a reminder to students that tomorrow – Friday, March 20 – is the final day to sign out a Chromebook to access learning resources and stay connected with your teachers. Chromebooks are available for pick up from from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at  Watervliet Elementary School (grades 3-6) or Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School (grades 7-12).

Update: Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Chromebooks and WiFi

A reminder to parents and students in grades 3-12:

Please stop by Watervliet Elementary School (grades 3-6) or Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School (grades 7-12) to pick up a Chromebook and stay connected to learning during the current school closure. Chromebooks are available to be signed out from 8 a.m. to 12 noon through this Friday, March 20. More information about online learning resources and tech support

No WiFi? No problem. Park your car in the WJSHS or WES parking lots and join the guest network to check your email from teachers and access learning resources. In addition to the school parking lots, the following locations in the city of Watervliet are WiFi hotspots:

• The Dome, 2nd Avenue & 13th Street
• Watervliet Public Library, 1501 Broadway
• Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 2416 7th Avenue

Currently, all buildings are closed to the public, but WiFi is accessible from the outside perimeter (sidewalk, parking lots).

Spectrum Offers Free Broadband/WiFi

In addition, to assist with at-home learning, Spectrum is offering free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. More information can be found on the Charter Communications website

Tech Help for Chromebooks

How to log-on to your Chromebook

When you turn on your Chromebook at home it will search for an available wireless network to attach to. From the list of available wireless networks it finds, click on the appropriate network name and type in the encryption key that was assigned to it. If you do not know the encryption key contact your Internet Service Provider. Once the Chromebook attaches to the wireless network you will sign in to Google Chrome with your school email address and password.

For technical assistance with Chromebooks, email servicedesk@vlietschools.org

Google Access

As a reminder, students can log into their school Google accounts and access Google Classroom with the following log in information:
first letters of their first name, first four letters of their last name and 2-digit graduation year with @vlietschools.org (For example: 3rd grader Kelly Webster would be kellwebs29@vlietschools.org)

For log-in help, please email your teacher or call your school:

WES → 518-629-3400
WJSHS → 518-629-3300

Update: Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Coronavirus/COVID-19: School closure extended to two weeks

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on March 16 that due to ongoing public health concerns related to COVID-19/Coronavirus, all schools in New York state will be closed for two weeks, effective Wednesday, March 18.

This means that Watervliet City School District will be closed through March 31. We are closely monitoring the situation at the state and local level, and will let you know if the closure needs to be extended beyond that date.

We recognize the hardship these changes may place on our students and families. Please know that our district is committed to providing you with continued support during the closure.

A few important reminders for our students, families and staff:

• Online learning resources are available for students to continue instruction to the extent practicable. Students are encouraged to check in with teachers through Chromebooks for educational activities that will allow students to practice skills and review content at home. Students may sign out a Chromebook at their school through Friday, March 20 between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
• Free breakfast and lunch is being offered to our students Monday through Friday from 8-10 a.m. during the school closure at Watervliet Elementary School or the Watervliet Civic Center. Our Food is Fuel program will continue to provide non-perishable food items for families who already participate. Food bags can be picked up at Watervliet Elementary School on Fridays from 8-10 a.m.
• Students and families are encouraged to reach out to any member of our Student Support Team via email at supportstaff2020@vlietschools.org, if you are feeling stressed about the current situation.

The most current and accurate information about the coronavirus can be found at www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus.

Thank you for your continued understanding and partnership. Please be sure to check our district website for regular updates.

Update: Monday, March 16, 2020

UPDATE #1: Friday, March 13, 2020

Professional Development Day moved to Monday March 16, no school for students

This message was sent via One Call Now email on Friday, March 13, 2020

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to provide updates about COVID-19 and our district plans. As of today, Friday, March 13, WCSD does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Musical postponed
In an abundance of caution, district officials have made the decision to postpone the weekend performances of Beauty and the Beast at WJSHS. New dates will be announced.

All after-school activities and sports practices are canceled today, Friday, March 13. The Watervliet Civic Center after-school program, however, will take place as scheduled.

No School for students Monday, March 16
The Professional Development Day is being moved to Monday, March 16 from Friday, March 20. Students will not report to school Monday. Staff should report to school as usual. There will be no classes for students.

Update: Thursday, March 12, 2020

Today, Governor Cuomo announced significant restrictions on large group gatherings in New York state. Although there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in our school district, in an abundance of caution, we have decided to implement proactive steps that may help us keep our schools open and continue to educate our students.

Therefore, effective immediately, we have suspended all field trips and community use of our facilities, as well as limited outside visitors to our buildings until further notice.

The WJSHS Drama Club’s presentation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be performed tomorrow evening (Friday, March 13) and Saturday evening (March 14) ONLY. The Sunday (March 15) show is cancelled.

School events that take place outside of regular school hours are cancelled. This does not apply, however, to the ExTRA program’s homework help and extracurricular club activities, the grade 9 PIVOT program or the Civic Center’s after-school program at Watervliet Elementary School. All of which will continue as usual.

All school-related athletic practices will continue as scheduled unless further guidance is provided to our schools from Section 2 or the NYSPHSAA directs otherwise.

We will continue to monitor this evolving public health crisis closely and will update our website and share information through our One Call Now system that may impact our schools.

We appreciate your continued support of our district.

Update: Tuesday, March 10, 2020

The following letter was mailed to all district families on Tuesday, March 10:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

With the recent news of confirmed cases of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, in the Capital Region, I want to let parents, students and staff know that our district continues to monitor information from local, state and federal officials. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in our local school community, and we have received no notifications of any individuals in our community who are currently under quarantine.

On Saturday, March 7, Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York, which gives the state certain purchasing and hiring abilities during this time. This declaration does not impact any school or district activities at this time. Experts have not recommended that the district cancel or reschedule classes or other school events.

State officials continue to emphasize that the general risk to the public is low and that while we all need to be vigilant and cautious, it is also important to stay calm and not contribute to any undue panic.

Regarding travel and quarantine measures, please know that the New York State Department of Health has made quarantine a mandatory measure for individuals returning to the United States from a known high-risk exposure area. Based on this, any student, student family member or employee who has traveled to a known high-risk exposure area should notify the school principal prior to coming to school, as well as contact the Albany County Department of Health at 518-447-4580.

If the district becomes aware that one of our students or staff members is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will notify staff and parents/guardians via email through our One Call Now notification system. Please be sure that your child’s school has your most current contact information, including email address and phone numbers. We will also post information on the district’s website.

Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced a new policy for school districts in New York that states if a student tests positive for the coronavirus in a school, that building will be closed for a 24-hour period for an assessment of the situation. The New York State Health Department will make a determination about whether the school should close for longer.

For now, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your children continues to be following standard preventive practices for influenza. There are a number of steps that students, staff and community members can take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the New York State Department of Health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

It is important to note that exposure to COVID-19 can occur from any person-to-person contact and is not limited to a particular race or ethnicity.

More information about COVID-19 is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

The state Department of Health also has information available on its website, and has a coronavirus hotline. Visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/, or call the hotline at 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.

In the meantime, we are preparing to meet the needs of our students and staff in the event the virus affects our community. Our maintenance staff is taking extra care to clean and disinfect classrooms and common areas in our schools, which includes:

• Cleaning desktops and tables with disinfectant in every classroom nightly.
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-contact areas, including water fountains, doorknobs, lockers and bathroom fixtures daily.

Additionally, building principals have instructed our maintenance staff to regularly refill soap dispensers in classrooms that have sinks and in school bathrooms.

We also encourage our teachers and staff to increase the frequency of their classroom hand washing practices and custodians will make available cleaning materials and disinfectants as needed upon staff request. Finally, our school buses will be disinfected on a daily basis.

As of now, we have no plans to cancel or postpone the high school musical this coming weekend or other school events. We will update staff, students, parents/guardians if it becomes necessary to cancel events, including school field trips.

We appreciate your support of our district and we will share more information as it becomes available through our One Call Now system’s e-mail feature, as well as post updates to our website, as necessary. Again, we encourage parents/guardian to please contact your child’s school if you need your contact information updated in our One Call Now system, or if you previously opted out of receiving emails or phone calls and want to opt-in.

Please know that, as always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this illness.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lori Caplan
Superintendent of Schools

Update: Thursday, February 27, 2020

Information about the coronavirus

In light of the ongoing media coverage, we are aware of concerns in and around our community about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the spread of this relatively new virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Based on recent reports, COVID-19 is not actively circulating in New York state, and there are no confirmed cases of the disease in the state at this time.

In the meantime, we want to share with you prevention information from the New York State Department of Health on how to minimize the spread of all respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. With any illness, it is important for each individual to take precautions, and we encourage you to take time to review the following steps that students, staff and community members can take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illness, including COVID-19, as recommended by the state Department of Health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (Heavily soiled hands should be washed.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you or a family member begin to show symptoms of a respiratory illness, whether or not you suspect it may be COVID-19, we would encourage you to contact your healthcare provider as a precaution.

Our local health department will contact schools if a suspected or known COVID-19 case emerges. Be assured that the health and safety of our staff, students and families is a top priority, and as such, we will continue to monitor this evolving situation and follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Albany County Department of Health and the New York State Education Department with regard to COVID-19.

Please see the links below for the latest information related to the virus:

Information and Resources

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Coronavirus web page

CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Prevention

CDC Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities

CDC Travel Information

CDC Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019

New York State Department of Health Coronavirus web page

NYSDOH Coronavirus Hotline, call 1-888-364-3065 for information about Coronavirus

Albany County Department of Health

Albany County Resources

• Albany County Health Department: (518) 447-4580
• Mental Health COVID-19 Support Line: (518) 269-6634 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days/week)
• Albany County Mental Health: (518) 447-4555
• Mobile Crisis through Northern Rivers: (518) 292-5499
• United Way: Dial 211
• Food Pantries of the Capital District: (518) 458-1167