We learned of three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school community – all are members of the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School community.

Contact tracing was completed as per Albany County Department of Health protocols and all individuals identified as having potential exposure at school have been notified and advised of the need to quarantine and monitor for symptoms.

Albany County has given the green light to schools to pilot a 7-Day-Test-Out Policy, which means that students and staff who have been advised to quarantine due to close contact with a positive case, may return to school after 7 days (instead of 10) if they get tested for COVID-19 after 5 days and receive a negative test result. NOTE: This pilot is limited to K-12 students and staff who do not have a household contact with COVID-19.

Several vaccination sites across New York now offer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children from 5 to 11 years and older. In Albany County, one of those sites is located at the Crossgates Mall, in the former Lord & Taylor Store located on the upper level. Parents and guardians can make appointments at this vaccination site by visiting https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

A reminder that COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available for students who are 5 years and older through our Whitney Young School-Based Health Clinic at WJSHS. Call 518-629-3270 to make an appointment.

We are grateful for your continued cooperation and support of our schools, and wish all our students, families and staff a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving break. We look forward to welcoming you back to school on Monday, Nov. 29. 

(This notification was sent to WCSD families and staff on Tuesday, Nov. 23 via One Call Now email.)