Oct. 20 district updates

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Updated COVID-19 guidance

The New York State Department of Health has provided updated guidance for school districts regarding protocols for addressing COVID-19 symptoms and test results among students and employees. Please note that this guidance, issued to school districts earlier this month, supersedes previous guidance from the state health department. 

We are sharing both the relevant pages for families, as well as the full document

It is important to note that our district has been following this guidance with each case. 

Please be reminded that District Medical Director Dr. Laura Staff and Health Services Coordinator Suzanne McCarthy are our established points of contact, aligned with our internal and established chain of command. 

This document does not change our internal processes. It provides guidance for families and school employees on the criteria and steps that the health department, medical director, health services coordinator and superintendent use in making decisions regarding confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. 


Nov. 3 schedule reminder

A reminder that Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 3 – will be a full day of instruction for all students. 

Nov. 3 originally was planned as a Professional Development Day for faculty and staff, but was moved to the beginning of the school year in order to provide more time for teachers to prepare for re-opening in the COVID-19 environment.

Please note that all students at Montessori Magnet school and Albany High School’s Abrookin Career and Technical Center will attend school in a virtual environment Nov. 3. The Albany County Board of Elections is using these two school buildings as voting locations for the public.

A reminder that polls are open from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. on Nov. 3. If you are voting in-person that day, please remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask. 


Second-quarter survey reminder

A reminder that the district’s second-quarter survey is open until this Friday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m.

The survey offers parents and guardians an opportunity to review instructional and transportation choices where applicable, and to provide additional information that will help with our planning.

The survey also includes questions related to students’ technology needs at home, and an opportunity to complete three important district forms digitally. 

You can access the survey using your student's district Google account login credentials. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete. The second marking period begins Nov. 16.


Daily COVID-19 Student Screener reminder

A reminder that if your student is attending school in-person we ask that you complete the Student COVID-19 Screener each morning before school and take each student’s temperature.

The screener is quick and easy to complete. Login with your student’s district network credentials. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, or if a student has a temperature above 100°F, the student is required to stay home from school.

Please contact your school if the student is required to stay home.

You also can use this instructional video if you have questions about how to use the Student COVID-19 Screener.