Watervliet City School District > Reopening planning and information

Reopening planning and information

With ongoing concerns about COVID-19, we will use this web page to share updates with families as we plan for the reopening of our schools.

District and school leaders implemented a reopening plan for the fall of 2020 based on all available guidance from the state and public health agencies. We will share updates through our One Call Now notification system (email) to parents, staff and students and community members who have opted in to receive district alerts. Additionally, time-sensitive, critical information will be shared through our mass notification system through robocall.

Updated: Return to School Protocols for COVID-19 (Nov. 10, 2020)

The New York State Department of Health and Albany County Department of Health recently released updated guidance regarding students and staff members returning to school after exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. A student or staff member must now have a negative laboratory-based PCR test to return to school. The district will no longer accept a negative result from a rapid or point of care COVID test. It is important that in the event you need a COVID-19 test, that you are aware of this. Read the updated return-to-school protocols

Please note updated guidance from the Department of Health (Oct. 1, 2020).

Students and staff who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms should be assessed by their healthcare provider. In order to return to school, one of the following situations must occur:

  1. Note from your healthcare provider indicating negative COVID-19 diagnostic test OR copy of negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result; with symptoms improving AND fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines.
  2. Signed note from healthcare provider explaining diagnosis of a known chronic condition with unchanged symptoms or confirmed acute illness AND COVID-19 is not suspected.
  3. If COVID-19 test is refused, you must isolate for 10 days, with symptoms improving AND fever-free for at least 72 hours without use of fever reducing medicines.

Additionally, if evaluation from a healthcare provider and COVID-19 test results are not completed within 48 hours, the Albany County Health Department must be notified to deem the symptomatic student/staff positive, which will include case investigation and contact tracing.

Watervliet City Schools: FREE Breakfast & Lunch

School meals will continue to be available for remote learners via school buses at three designated sites in the city. Meals will not be delivered to homes. Breakfast and lunch will be provided Monday–Friday with pick-up at the sites and times listed below. (NOTE: Lunch offerings follow the WJSHS lunch menu)

  • Watervliet Housing/Joslin Apartments @ 11:30 a.m. 
    24th St. and Whitehall
  • Watervliet Civic Center @ 11:45 a.m.
    14th Street & 1st Avenue
  • Port Schuyler Gazebo @ 12 p.m.
    Corner of 3rd Avenue & 6th Street

Aug. 10 Update: School Reopening Plan meetings scheduled for the week of Aug. 10

WCSD families are invited to join school district leaders for virtual forums this week that offer an opportunity for parents/guardians to learn more about our 2020-21 Reopening Plan and to ask questions.

The forums will be held via Zoom on the following dates:

Monday, August 10 — UPK-grade 6, 6 p.m. │ View recorded meeting
Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Grades 6-12, 6 p.m. │ View meeting details
Friday, Aug. 14 — UPK-grade 12, 10 a.m. │ View meeting details

A virtual meeting for the district’s teachers and staff is set for Friday, Aug. 14 at 12 p.m. (noon).

July 31 Update: School Reopening Plan submitted to the New York State Education Department

The Watervliet City School District submitted its Reopening Plan for 2020-21, as required by the New York State Education Department (SED). The plan represents our best effort to provide for the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff members while prioritizing in-person instruction for students. View the full reopening plan

Please note that while this plan has been submitted to the state, a final determination on school opening in New York will be made by the Governor in the first week of August.

July 30 Update: Overview of reopening plan available

After receiving guidance documents earlier this month from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED), we began to focus all our efforts on reopening plans. District and school leadership have been collaborating with our Reopening Committee in recent weeks to develop a strategy that prioritizes the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff as we prepare for a return to school.  Read a summary of the plan

We invite you to view a recording of the August 4 virtual community forum that details our strategy to safely reopen school.

FREE Breakfast and Lunch Summer Program 2020

The summer meals program will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch “To-Go” bags from July 1 through September 4 at the locations listed below.

  • Monday–Friday Pick-Up 8-10 a.m.
    Free Meals for anyone 18 years and younger (parents may pick up meals for their children)

    • Watervliet Elementary School
      2557 Tenth Avenue
    • Watervliet Jr/Sr High School
      1245 Hillside Drive
    • Watervliet Civic Center
      14th Street & 1st Avenue
    • Port Schuyler Gazebo
      Corner of 3rd Avenue & 6th Street
    • Watervliet Housing
      2301 Whitehall Street (Joslin Apartment Building next to office)
  • July 6–August 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
    Paine St. Park, Green Island

Summer School Information

A virtual summer school program is set to begin on Monday, July 6. Virtual summer class sessions will occur 2-3 times per week (depending on the age level) facilitated by a classroom teacher along with remote activities to complete at home or digitally.

  • The Summer Academy for grades K-6 will focus on ELA and math skills that support continued learning.
  • Grades 7-12 students who receive an incomplete in one or more classes are expected to participate in summer school in order to receive course credit.

Please call the Assistant Superintendent’s Office at 518-629-3456 with any questions.

Summer Enrichment for grades K-5

Capital Region BOCES has partnered with its 24 component school districts to create a website of fun, enriching activities for students in grades K-5. The Summer Adventure website will provide a range of activities for kids and their families, from cooking to science to arts and crafts to mindful moments. 

Starting July 3, new activities will be unveiled every Friday through Aug. 21, to keep kids active all summer long. Visit the site now to sign up for Summer Adventure activities delivered to your inbox each week.

Summer Reading

Summer reading is critical for students to retain knowledge and skills learned during the prior school year. Students who don’t read are at risk of falling behind. Our teachers encourage parents and students to avoid the summer slide by making sure to take time to read every day for at least 20 minutes.