March 23 health updates

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County confirms second district case
The Albany County Health Department notified the City School District of Albany on Monday that it has confirmed a second case of COVID-19 involving a district school. 

A second member of the Pine Hills Elementary School community has tested positive. These are the only two confirmed cases involving the district that the health department has notified us about at this time. 

The health department will contact families, employees and others who may have been affected by the Pine Hills Elementary cases. The district remains in contact with health department officials for additional guidance.

All classes have been cancelled throughout the district since March 13 due to concerns about COVID-19. We will continue to provide regular updates; please follow our COVID-19 Information section. 

While classes are cancelled, we also would like to continue to remind everyone to follow standard preventive practices for good hygiene and social distancing to help slow the spread of germs. 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – that’s the same as singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice in a row. It’s especially important before eating. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. 
  • COVID-19 symptoms are similar to the flu – fever, respiratory illness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and feeling very tired. Some people may also have nausea or vomiting.
  • If you or a family member show any of these symptoms, particularly symptoms of a respiratory illness, talk with your health-care provider. 
  • If your child has chronic health problems and displays flu-like symptoms, contact your health-care provider immediately.
  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow or arm – instead of your hand. Remember to throw a tissue in the trash after you use it. 
  • Don’t share things like drinks, food, eating utensils like forks and spoons, and toothbrushes. 
  • Try to avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth. That’s how germs spread. 
  • Stay home unless it’s urgent that you go out. If you have to go out, avoid close contact with others. 

Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (518) 475-6010 if you have any additional questions or concerns. 

Academic updates
Since our cancellation began, we have been working on a daily basis to continue to develop more expansive resources for all of our students to expand on the print and digital academic resources we shared with students March 13. 

We will roll out those additional resources through our website this week. 

Also this week, you can expect a call from your child’s teacher or another school representative to check in. We want to see how you’re doing, what supports are needed academically and what your access to technology is at home. These calls also will help inform our next steps regarding academic resources and supports. Please continue to monitor our website and social media channels for updates and information.

Meal delivery program reaches capacity
Thank you to all who signed up for the home delivery option for the district’s meals program. Due to an overwhelming response, we have closed new registrations for home delivery to ensure that we are able to meet the high demand.

We will continue to offer the on-site pickup option at our six schools each weekday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The home delivery option for those families that signed up by 11 a.m. on Monday will begin Tuesday and continue each weekday. There are no additional steps necessary. Families should expect drop-off each weekday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A district employee will call you at the number provided with your registration shortly before the delivery is scheduled to arrive at your home. Please be on the lookout.