As the winter break draws to a close, we want to share an update and a few reminders with our families, teachers and staff before we return to school on Monday, Feb. 22.

Over the winter break, the Albany County Health Department notified us of the following three confirmed positive COVID-19 cases:

• An individual in our remote learning program at Watervliet Elementary School. The health department has identified no additional contacts with the case.
• One individual from the Watervliet Elementary School community who was last in the building on Friday, February 12.
• One individual from the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community who was last in the building on Friday, February 12.

School administrators have reached out to all affected individuals from each building. As with all confirmed cases, our district works in partnership with the county health department to identify students and staff members who have been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for the virus as part of our contact tracing protocols. Individuals who are identified as direct contacts are advised to quarantine for 10 days per health department guidelines as a precaution.

An important reminder that if you traveled out of state during the winter recess, students and staff must meet all quarantine and testing requirements before they can return to in-person teaching and learning, as per New York’s travel guidelines. This will ensure the health and safety of everyone when school resumes on Monday.

As we prepare to return to the classroom this week, please remember to complete the daily health screening/attestation before entering school buildings or boarding buses.

We hope that you had a restful and safe winter break, and thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Enjoy the weekend!

(This update was shared with WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on Feb. 19.)