Since our last update on Feb. 18 ─ the Friday before winter break ─ we have learned of the following positive cases of COVID-19 in our school community:

• One (1) from Watervliet Elementary School
• One (1) from Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School

For daily positive COVID-19 cases affecting our district, please visit the NYS COVID-19 Report Card.

Statewide school mask mandate to end March 2

A reminder that wearing face masks in schools will be optional starting Wednesday, March 2. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the end of the state mandate during a press conference on Sunday, Feb. 27.

Please send your children to school tomorrow with a mask ─ Tuesday, March 1 ─ the final day it will be required. If students forget their masks at home, we will have extras available at each school building.

As we prepare to return to school routines without the state’s mask mandate, it is important to remember that some students and staff members may choose to continue to wear masks in school after Wednesday, March 2. This is a personal choice and will be respected and welcomed in our schools. Bullying or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

We thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to the health and safety of our students and staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school principal.

(This message was shared with WCSD families and staff via One Call Now email on Feb. 28.)