This week, the district learned of one confirmed positive case of COVID-19 that required contact tracing in the Watervliet school community. School administrators notified all individuals considered to be contacts of the need to quarantine as a precaution, as per health department guidelines.

In-school COVID-19 testing yields negative results

COVID-19 testing of asymptomatic in-person students and staff members continued this week at both buildings in a proactive effort to support the health and safety of our school community. A total of 50 rapid tests were completed between WES and WJSHS on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week. We are pleased to report zero positive results from this testing.

A reminder that testing for students will be done only with parent/guardian permission. We encourage parents and guardians of in-person students to complete a COVID-19 testing consent form online, if you have not already done so. Please remember to submit one form for each child in grades UPK-12 in your household.

COVID-19 Travel Advisory

As the winter break (Feb. 15-19) approaches, we remind families and staff of the state’s COVID-19 travel advisory requirements. If you travel outside New York for more than a 24-hour period to a non-contiguous (bordering) state or to another country, the 10-day quarantine requirement remains in effect. To return to school after being out-of-state for more than 24 hours, there is an option to “test-out” of the mandatory quarantine early. The following steps are required:

• You must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to returning to New York.
• You must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
• On day 4 of your quarantine, you must obtain another COVID test. If both tests are negative, you may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

Read more about the NYS COVID-19 travel guidelines

We appreciate your continued support to keep our schools open for teaching and learning.

(This message was sent to WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on Feb. 5)