Below you will find the answers to what we know at this time. Please remember, our plans continue to evolve and anything is subject to change. If you have a question that has not been answered in this FAQ, the reopening plan, or is specific to your child, please contact reopening@scsd.org.
Learning Options | School Schedules | Elementary School | Middle/High School | Technology & Connectivity | Transportation | Staff | Health & Safety | Mental Health & Wellness | Special Education | School Buildings | Food Services | Music & Arts | Sports/Physical Education | Other
Learning Options
What options do families have for returning to school in the fall?
The current plan calls for Universal Pre-K through grade 1 students to attend school in-person daily and grades 2-12 students will have a blend of in-person and virtual learning. However, those who may not feel comfortable returning to an in-person educational environment have the option for full remote learning as well, as long as they notify the district of their plan by Aug. 14. You will notify the district via the reopening survey which will be released on August 11. Once a family has made their decision, students will be required to follow that plan for an entire semester (through January 2021).
When will we know what the final scenario is?
The final plan was posted to the district website on Friday, July 31. However, anything is subject to change. View the reopening plan here.
What are options if parents don’t feel safe sending their children to school?
If parents are not comfortable sending their child to school, they will have the option to keep their child home for remote learning. This remote option will be staffed by Stillwater CSD employees. Once a family has made their decision, students will be required to follow that plan for an entire semester. Parents who are choosing the remote option will need to notify the district by Aug. 14 (in the survey that will be sent on Aug. 11) in order for us to plan accordingly.
What if a family decides to send their child for in-person learning and then later decides they would like to do remote only? Is it possible to switch?
There is a likelihood that we can accommodate this, but the ability to do so will be driven by the number of students making the change.
What will the schedules for in-person learning look like?
- UPK through Grade 1: Daily in-person instruction/learning
- Grade 2 through Grade 5: In-person instruction/learning on an A/B schedule by cohort while following the guidance as outlined by DOH and NYSED. This allows for five in-person instruction/ learning days for grades 2-5 and five remote instruction/ learning days in a two-week cycle.
- Elementary Special Education Students and ELL Students: Daily in-person instruction/ learning
- Grade 6 through 8 Regular Education/ SWD Consultant Teacher/ ELL Students: In-person instruction/learning two days per week. Grade 6 will follow a regular period by period schedule, including specials in the classroom by cohort. Grades 7 and 8 will attend in-person by cohort for core classes (English, math, social studies, science). Remote instruction/ learning three days per week, with allocated periods for foreign language and special area classes.
- Grade 9 Regular Education/ SWD Consultant Teacher/ ELL Students: In-person instruction learning every Monday in an 80-minute block schedule by cohort for each core class (English, math, social studies, science). Remote Instruction/ learning four days per week, with allocated periods for foreign language and special area classes.
- Grade 10 Regular Education/ SWD Consultant Teacher/ ELL Students: In-person instruction/ learning every Tuesday in an 80-minute block schedule by cohort for each core class (English, math, social studies, science). Remote Instruction/ learning four days per week, with allocated periods for foreign language and special area classes.
- Grade 11 Regular Education/ SWD Consultant Teacher/ ELL Students: In-person instruction/ learning every Thursday in an 80-minute block schedule by cohort for each core class (English, math, social studies, science). Remote Instruction/learning four days per week with allocated periods for foreign language and special area classes.
- Grade 12 Regular Education/ SWD Consultant Teacher/ ELL Students: In-person instruction/ learning every Friday in an 80-minute block schedule by cohort for each core class (English, math, social studies, science). Remote Instruction/ learning four days per week with allocated periods for foreign language and special area classes.
- Grades 6 through 12 Special Education Special Class Students: Daily, in-person instruction four days per week. Remote instruction on Wednesdays.
If students are in-person, how big will class sizes be?
Upon reopening, the number of students in each of our classrooms will be reduced to adhere to CDC guidance regarding proper social distancing. In most cases, class sizes will be between 10 -14. Larger learning spaces will accommodate more students while still adhering to social distancing guidelines.
For the remote learning days, will the lessons be live and interactive for students to ask questions?
- Grades 2-8 will follow a learning lab approach for the days when students are not in session on campus. This means that students will work through the Google Classroom platform to work on assignments, watch instructional videos and connect with teachers. Students and families will also have the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to lessons and obtain feedback from teachers.
- Grades 9-12 will follow their period-by-period schedule as assigned. Students will work through the Google Classroom platform to work on assignments, watch instructional videos and connect with teachers. In addition, there will be live instruction opportunities.
- Grades 7-12 will also have the opportunity for “office hours” to directly connect with teachers for help.
How will you handle classes that are meant to be hands on?
We are working on the best ways to achieve this, specific to the course. We continue to work with the WSWHE BOCES for best practices and “out of the box” ideas to incorporate hands on learning while remaining safe.
Will the district be returning to the previous grading system or continuing a modified approach to grading?
The district will be returning to the previous grading models at all levels.
Are AP classes considered electives, or can we assume that they will all be offered as originally scheduled?
AP classes will continue to be offered.
What does the 100% virtual option for school look like?
To ensure high-quality remote learning experiences, we will standardize the use of a single online learning platform, to the extent possible, and develop a common, coordinated set of guidelines for teachers to follow when using the platform with students. Stillwater will be using one platform for our remote learning, Google Classroom. We will be developing and sharing short videos to aid families who need support in how to best navigate the platform. Teachers will also be available should there be questions about an individual teacher’s classroom.
If a child will be remote learning, will they be able to join via Google Meet in a live classroom so they too can participate with their teacher and with the rest of their class?
We do not currently have the capability to offer this.
School Schedules
Will schedules be staggered to allow for less students at arrival/dismissal?
Each building is working on a plan for arrival and dismissal so students do not cluster at arrival and dismissal. Each building has specific plans as the traffic flow and entry configuration of each building is different.
What will the school day hours be for all buildings and grade levels?
We intend to keep the schedule the same. More details about the school day will be released prior to the start of the school year.
Elementary School
For grades 2-5, what will a 2-week rotation will look like for the A and B days?
It depends on what group they are in and we won’t be able to tell them that until the survey is complete and we know who is coming back. Here is an example. Group 1 comes Monday, Thursday and every other Wednesday. Group 2 comes Tuesday, Friday and every other Wednesday. We will be sending each family home a calendar so they know their days.
What will the experience be for incoming kindergarteners?
Kindergarten students have already been screened. Although things will definitely be different due to social distancing measures, our commitment to providing for the students’ academic and social emotional needs will remain paramount. Since most of our kindergarten students are new to the building, staff will be on hand to bring them to their classrooms.Teachers will spend time acclimating our students to the building.
What will recess look like?
Students will only go to recess with their classroom cohort. Playgrounds will be cleaned per CDC guidance. Outdoor areas, like playgrounds in schools will be routinely cleaned. We will also make use of our fields for other outdoor activities.
Will there continue to be Art, Music, and Physical Education?
Yes, students will continue to receive their special area classes. Special area teachers will push into classrooms. The teachers will also have the ability to take students outside.
Will elementary students be using their lockers?
Yes, elementary students will be using their lockers, per Department of Health guidance.
Will my elementary students be part of the same cohort?
Yes, elementary families are grouped together so they will attend in person on the same days.
Why can’t all elementary students come to school daily?
When we created our first draft of the reopening plan, it included UPK-6 grade attending daily. That pushed grades 3-5 into the middle/ high school wings, thereby allowing for no in-person instruction for our 7-12 graders. We felt the strong need to redraft this plan for our 7-12 grade students. We went back to the drawing board to see how we could get all students into the buildings and face-to-face with teachers and peers. After many other considerations, we created the hybrid as presented. In conversations with other superintendents in the region, they cited additional bus runs, shorter days, aides covering half of the learning time, desk barriers allowing for less than six-feet of distance between occupants, mandated masks, etc. to allow for a K-6 daily schedule. Our plan was carefully developed with the input of teachers, parents, CSEA staff members, Board members and administrators to provide the richest experience for our kiddos while they are here. It allows for socially-distanced seating, no masks for such instruction, no aides covering learning time on the A/B schedule, special area classes in person and the provision for safe learning spaces. We embraced this approach as it replicates, to the best of our ability, the classroom experience. We most certainly will be evaluating from day 1 to expand on what we have planned. We want all of our students on campus everyday. That is our goal.
In addition, we are lacking three large learning spaces (band room, choral room and auditorium) due to construction. This impacted our ability to accommodate all grade levels daily.
Middle School/High School
For students in grades 6 who have never been to the middle high school building, will there be an opportunity for an orientation to the building?
Out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of the current executive order limiting the number of people at gatherings and the ongoing construction project in the middle school, the 6th grade student orientation will occur during the first day of school for students, which will be either Monday, September 14 or Tuesday, September 15 based on the child’s cohort. Administrators, staff and 6th grade teachers will be on hand to help sixth graders find their way to their homeroom.
I have a child in 6th grade and another in 7th or 8th grade. Will they attend school on different days?
No. 7th grade students will attend in-person classes on Monday and Thursday, 8th grade students will attend in-person classes on Tuesday and Friday. Their 6th grade sibling will be assigned to the 6th grade cohort attending on the same days.
How it will be decided into which 6th grade group, the Monday or the Tuesday group, each middle school student will be placed. On what basis will that decision be made?
A child’s cohort will be determined after the results of the District survey are received on August 14th and 6th grade parents will be notified by mail the week of August 17th which days their child will attend.
How will students change classes and use hallways?
To the extent possible, students will remain in small cohorts if/when leaving the classroom for any necessary transition so as to reduce their exposure to additional students. Middle School teachers will be rotating into the classroom. High School students will be moving to one of four learning locations. There is time built into the schedule to clean each space between groups.
Will students in grades 6-12 be using lockers?
Both CDC guidance and Department of Health guidance recommend that we avoid the use of lockers. We have changed the policy to allow and encourage students to bring necessary materials with them in their backpacks. If necessary, we will make individual accommodations.
Technology and Connectivity
What technology do we need to have at home to participate in remote learning?
To ensure equal access for all of our students, the district is providing every student with a district owned mobile device and power supply for completion of classwork. These devices will have the applications the district uses for learning.Students will be responsible for daily care and charging of the mobile device. Please email reopening@scsd.org if you have any questions regarding acquisition or use of district-provided equipment.
Will my student need to bring their mobile device on days they are physically in school?
Yes. To develop and maintain technical skills, your child’s teacher will still largely be utilizing our digital platforms for classroom work, assignments and turn-in.
Will the district hold and store my child’s mobile device if they are in the building everyday?
Each student will need to bring their mobile device to school with them on in-person learning days. For safety and security of all in the classroom there will be no common areas provided for storing or holding mobile devices.
What if my child forgets to bring in their mobile device?
As long as it does not become chronic (more than three times per semester) The district will allow the student to sign out a loaner device for the day. The device must be turned in at the end of the day.
What if my child brings in a device that is not charged?
As long as it does not become chronic (more than three times per semester) the district will provide a charged loaner for the day. The device must be turned in at the end of the day.
What resources, if any, will be provided to parents/guardians to help prepare them for the potential shift to online-only learning?
This district instructional technology team is putting together online resources for parents and students to reference. Links will be provided on the school website. If a teacher sees that a student is struggling with the technology, they will contact the IT Director for assistance.
We do not have internet access at home. Can the school help?
Your response to the parent survey will inform the district of any deficiencies in student access to the internet. The district will work with you to overcome any barriers to internet access.
We are unable to access the internet where we live. How will instruction be provided for my child during remote learning?
The district will find out if any of the cell phone providers (Sprint, Verizon AT&T) have service in that location. If so the district will work to acquire a mobile WiFi from that cell provider. If no provider can be obtained the district will look at accommodations in school for your child’s learning.
What do we do if my child’s school laptop breaks or stops working?
If a student’s laptop or device breaks or stops working, you should immediately contact your building principal so that they are aware of the situation and can contact the technology director for repair or replacement of the device. Or you can also email reopening@scsd.org with the issue.
How can we get technology help from the school?
Students should first work with their teacher to try and resolve the problem, if that does not work the teacher will contact the technology director, who will have someone contact the parent/student for direct assistance.
How is the district ensuring student data privacy during remote learning?
The district only uses applications from software vendors that have signed a master agreement with the district that complies with Ed Law 2-D requirements.
Transportation
How will school buses be made safe?
Students who are able will be required to wear masks and social distance on the bus to the extent practicable; however, students whose physical or mental health would be impaired are not required to wear a face covering, but must be appropriately socially distanced.
Members of the same household may be seated within six (6) feet of each other. In terms of transportation safety:
- We are building time into our routing schemes to allow for cleaning of bus seats and commonly touched areas daily.
- We have fogger machines that will be used midday to sanitize all buses.
- Cleaning supplies have been made available to all drivers and aides.
- Drivers are required to wash their hands before entering the bus.
- Drivers and aides that are in close contact with students (helping to buckle seat belt, etc.) will also have additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Can students bring hand sanitizer on the bus?
Students and personnel on the bus will also be authorized to carry personal-size bottles of sanitizer, whose contents should not exceed 8 ounces in volume.
Will the process for student drop off/pick up be streamlined if parents wish to transport children instead of riding the bus?
For elementary students, the parent drop-off location has not changed, however parents are required to remain in their vehicles while staff (additional staffing provided) will escort students into the building.
For elementary parent pick-up, parents will remain in their vehicles and students will be escorted to their cars.
For middle school/ high school students, the parent drop-off location has not changed. It remains the Lilac Lobby parking lot. Student drivers will be parking in the same lot and entering through the Lilac Lobby entrance for screening. The Lilac Lobby entrance will be closed as of 7:30 am daily, at which time tardy students will be required to enter through the main entrance.
Parent pick-up will also be at the Lilac Lobby entrance.
If elementary parents pick up their student(s) at school at the end of the day, will parents be required to sign out students at the end of the day?
Yes. A staff member will provide the means to do so safely.
If my child’s pick up/drop off location will be different from our home, who do I notify?
If your child is being picked up or dropped off at any location other than your home, you will need to contact the Stillwater Transportation Department at 518-664-5661. We will make every effort to accommodate you.
Transportation to locations other than home addresses follow the same guidelines as regular school transportation. It is the responsibility of the childcare provider to insure safe travel of the student(s) to and/or from the bus stop. Childcare locations must be within school district boundaries and be the same location each school day. Due to the mandated social distancing on the bus, we will be strictly enforcing the following changes:
Students will no longer be allowed to have a pass to ride the bus home if they do not have a consistent pre-existing arrangement with the Transportation Department as described above.
Will students be able to drive to school for the 2020-21 school year?
Yes. Parking for students will be available in the Lilac Lobby parking lot. All student drivers will be allowed to drive. No parking passes will be required.
Will busing still be available from the Stillwater Area Community Center for morning transportation to school and afternoon transportation from school back to the Center?
Yes. We will continue to provide this service.
What if you start with one form of transportation, such as selecting the bus and then you want to change to driving the student to school, can you change?
We understand that family needs change, and we will be adaptable to the extent possible, however we will only be assigning busing if it is requested. If a parent selects busing and then chooses to transport, we will remove that student’s bus stop from the route. However, if a parent chooses to transport, then decides they want a bus, there may not be a seat on the bus for them.
Staff
Will teachers be tested for COVID before in-person learning begins?
In accordance with Dept. of Health guidelines, all individuals entering school district property will be required to make a daily attestation regarding their exposure to COVID-19 or any symptoms they may be experiencing. In addition, we will temperature check daily. In some specific cases, an employee may need to receive a negative COVID test before entering school district property.
What happens if a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
School staff must immediately report any illness of students or staff to the school nurse or other designated school staff. If a student or staff member reports having tested positive for COVID-19, school administrators or his/her designee will notify the local health department to determine what steps are needed for the school community. It is strongly recommended that schools comply with CDC guidance and not conduct COVID-19 testing or require testing or antibody testing of students or staff members. The decision of whether a test needs to be conducted should be determined by a healthcare provider or the local department of health.
What if someone who lives in the same house as a teacher tests positive?
The decision of whether a test needs to be conducted or an employee needs to be quarantined should be determined by a healthcare provider or the local department of health.
Will there be a time for teachers to transition to new locations and to be properly trained on new procedures, etc.?
Yes. We will use the Superintendent’s Conference Days to complete this work. We have expanded these days for teacher preparation through September 11. School will begin for students on Monday, September 14, 2020.
Health & Safety
Will students and staff be required to wear masks?
Yes, all students, staff and visitors will be required to wear an appropriate face covering. Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth and extend to the ears. In addition, face shields may be worn over the top of a face mask. Staff are encouraged to supply their own mask but disposable masks will be provided if needed. In addition, the District is providing three reusable masks to each staff member to limit the amount of disposable masks needed. All students will be required to wear face coverings. Exceptions will be made for those students who cannot tolerate wearing a mask due to his/her/their IEP or medical condition. Students are allowed to remove their face coverings during instruction because our plan spaces student desks at least six feet apart, during meals and for short breaks so long as they maintain appropriate social distance. Upon completion of the day, reusable masks should be laundered and disposable masks should be discarded in the appropriate waste receptacles. Training about the proper wearing of masks and their removal/disposal will be provided along with signage throughout the buildings.
Will the district provide PPE for all students and staff?
The district will have extra PPE for students. The district will provide PPE for all staff. The Facilities Director is responsible for ensuring that appropriate levels of PPE is available for all that need it.
Are face shields an option?
Face shields can be worn, as long as students/staff are wearing a mask as well. Face shield cannot be worn as a replacement for masks.
Will every child have their temperature checked before entering a school building?
Yes. Daily temperature checks are required for all students and staff with required daily attestations. An individual with a temperature greater than 100.0°F must be denied entry into the facility or sent directly to a dedicated waiting area prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home.
Who is responsible for taking the temperatures of students before they come to school?
Parents/guardians are responsible for taking the temperature of their student(s) before they come to school and keeping students home if they have a temperature of 100.0 F or more. As a precaution, the District has a plan to screen all students as they enter the building.
What health precautions will be put in place at all levels?
The district will provide ready access to hand sanitizer in all classrooms and common spaces. The district will provide disposable wipes/approved cleaners to faculty and staff so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls). The district has developed cleaning and disinfecting procedures for the school in accordance with CDC and DOH guidance for all classrooms, common spaces, and transportation.
Can the school district employ a strategy where staff/students (families) can self-administer COVID tests?
No, the district will not be providing COVID tests for students or staff. It is strongly recommended that schools comply with CDC guidance and not conduct COVID-19 testing or require testing or antibody testing of students or staff members.
Schools are required to conduct drills throughout the school year. What will those look like this year?
The district will conduct fire (evacuation) drills and lockdown drills as required by education law and regulation and the fire code without exceptions. Schools must continue to conduct mandatory fire and lockdown drills according to the existing statutory schedule. Drills will be conducted in a manner that maintains social distancing at exits and gathering points outside the building, while still preparing students to respond in emergencies.
Who will be responsible for the cost of cleaning materials for each school?
The district is responsible for the cost of all cleaning materials and PPE.
Who is responsible for cleaning the areas where students and staff have been? How often will it be done?
Each building will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized every day by members of our facilities department. High touch areas such as bathrooms, door knobs and stair railings will be cleaned several times throughout the day. On Wednesdays (middle/high) and Saturdays (elementary) there will be deep cleaning of each district building.
If students are requested to return to school and a positive case results, how will that be handled? How will contact tracing be done?
Contact tracing is a public health function performed by local public health departments to trace all persons who had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. This allows public health officials to put in place isolation or other measures to limit the spread of the virus. Schools must cooperate with state and local health department contact tracing.
What happens if a student or staff member is subject to quarantine?
If a student needs to quarantine, the district will provide a remote option for schooling. This remote option will be staffed by Stillwater Central School District employees. If a student or staff member reports having tested positive for COVID-19, school administrators or his/her designee should notify the local health department to determine what steps are needed for the school community.
Will there be measures put in place to make sure that those who have been quarantined are healthy before returning to school?
The district has established protocols and procedures, in consultation with the local health department(s), about the requirements for determining when individuals, particularly students, who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms can return to the in-person learning environment at school. This protocol includes:
- Documentation from a health care provider following evaluation
- Negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result
- Symptom resolution, or if COVID-19 positive, release from isolation
The district will refer to the Department of Health regarding protocols and policies for faculty and staff seeking to return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the faculty or staff member had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19.
The district requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete quarantine and have not developed symptoms before returning to in-person learning. The discharge of an individual from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the local health department.
Will there be an isolation (waiting) area in case someone has symptoms during the school day?
The District requires students with a temperature, signs of illness, and/or a positive response to the questionnaire to be sent directly to a dedicated isolation area where students are supervised, prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home. Students will be supervised in the isolation (waiting) area while awaiting transport home and will be separated by at least 6 feet. Students will be escorted from the isolation area to their parent/guardian. Students will be referred to a healthcare provider and provided resources on COVID-19 testing.
How would schools address building safety i.e. prevent intruders, etc. if doors are being kept open so people don’t have to touch them?
Opening exterior doors to allow access/exiting at the buildings in a touch free manner will only be done at drop off and dismissal times. A staff member will need to be present at these times to monitor who is entering the building. After the drop off/pick up items the building will operate normally with the exterior doors locked. All visitors will have to go to the main entrance. As per guidelines, visitors will not be allowed to enter the building unless there is an emergency.
How often will bathrooms/classrooms be cleaned?
The District’s facilities staff have been trained on proper cleaning procedures and disinfecting schedules. Each building will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized every day. Common areas and bathrooms will be routinely cleaned and sanitized throughout the day. Schools must maintain logs that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection in a facility or area.
At what point would a school or the district have to close if multiple people are diagnosed with coronavirus?
Guided by New York State Department of Health recommendations, the district will keep Saratoga County Department of Health apprised of all possible cases and any decisions for closure will follow the guidance of Saratoga County Department of Health.
Will I be notified if a child in my child’s classroom gets the coronavirus? How soon will I know?
Yes, you will be promptly notified in accordance with guidance the district receives from the Saratoga County Department of Health.
Mental Health & Wellness
What sort of mental health/emotional support will be readily available to all students on a more extensive than usual basis upon the students’ and staff members’ return?
We have a structure in place in every building which allows key counseling staff to sit with administrators and discuss the needs of various students. Our K-12 Social/Emotional Learning Team will continue to meet, discussing the unique needs of our most vulnerable students, and developing action plans to encourage their connections to school and community resources.
Special Education
If we use a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning, would self-contained students be able to attend in-person daily due to their particular needs?
Our plan includes bringing all K-12 self-contained special education students every day (exclusive of Wednesdays at the middle/high). All elementary special education students (grades K-5) will attend in-person daily.
If remote learning again becomes a reality, how will record keeping for special education students take place to ensure that goals are actually being addressed and regression is not taking place?
All IEPs have been constructed to reflect in-person sessions/services. If our district goes to remote learning, we will carry out the IEP to the greatest extent possible. More specifically, providers will progress monitor all goals on the current IEP and update progress reports as scheduled. We will let the data collected drive the CSE’s decision related to any IEP amendments.
If the district has to go to remote learning, how will the district provide related services for students as outlined in their IEPs?
If the district has to go to remote learning for all, we will work extensively to carry out IEPs to the greatest extent possible. Our providers will work with families to determine what delivery methods work best for them.
If my students receive group services (ex: speech group), how will they be implemented safely?
We will begin the year with a push-in model and transition accordingly based on guidance.
If close contact is required, will therapists wear gloves and face shields in addition to masks?
Yes, our therapists are currently equipped with extra PPE to ensure the safety of students and staff.
School Buildings
What will bathrooms be like?
Restroom social distancing will be ensured by monitoring access and limiting usage. Proper signage will be installed in the bathrooms. Touch free paper towel dispensers are currently being installed.
Will school buildings be open after school for clubs, scouts, recreational basketball, etc.?
As our priority is student safety, the buildings will be far less accessible for groups of students, due to our cleaning protocols, before and after school. Any in-person activities that are not district sponsored will not be permitted for the 2020-21 school year.
Food Services
How will students eat lunch in a manner that is safe for both students and staff?
For students on-site, meals will be provided while maintaining appropriate social distancing between students. Students do not need to wear face coverings when seated and eating so long as they are appropriately socially distanced.
The district will ensure social distancing between individuals while eating. Meals may be served in alternate areas (e.g., classrooms) or in staggered meal periods to ensure social distancing and proper cleaning and disinfection between students.
The sharing of food and beverages is prohibited, unless individuals are members of the same household. Adequate space will be reserved for students, faculty, and staff to observe social distancing while eating meals.
If students are eating in the classrooms, what will be done to keep the students who have food allergies safe?
Parents of students with food allergies will work with their child’s school nurse, food service director and principal to ensure that they are safe.
Will students be allowed to sanitize (hand-washing or with sanitizer) before and after lunch?
Students and staff will be regularly washing their hands when in school.
How will students pay for lunch if their food is going to be delivered to the classroom?
We are currently looking at different options for meal ordering and accounting. More information will be made available prior to the start of school.
If we decided to keep our child home to learn remotely, can we still receive meals from the district?
Yes, students who are learning remotely can still receive meals from the district. The location and times for pick up is still to be determined. More information will be shared prior to the start of school.
Music & Arts
How would band/orchestra and lessons work at each level?
More information will be provided soon. The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) has released recommendations that advise schools to plan safely for all music instruction.
What will chorus look like at each level?
More information will be provided soon. NYSSMA recommendations will guide planning for all music instruction.
Will the students K-12 have access to music and art education and will it be provided by their current teachers?
More information will be provided soon.
Will all after school clubs, performing groups, and sports be postponed until we can resume school with a “normal” schedule?
More information will be provided soon.
Sports/Physical Education
For the high school students who are doing remote learning on some days of the week or for students that are planning to do 100% remote learning, how will that affect their participation in sports?
Students will be able to participate in athletics no matter what option they choose for learning.
Will they need to come to school on the days they are learning remotely from home for practices/games?
Students will need to come to school for scheduled practices at their designated time regardless of where or when they received their instruction that day. Further information on this process will be available when athletics have been approved to begin.
How can fall sports be played while maintaining 6 feet distance when kids are huddled around the ball and in physical contact with each other?
The start of fall sports have been delayed until September 21 to allow for more time to address which sports can begin safely or if they need to be postponed until later in the year.
What will physical education classes look like?
Whenever possible students will utilize outside space for physical education instruction. We will adhere to the 12-foot social distancing rule when engaged in vigorous physical activity.
Other
Will there be a travel policy for staff/students/families for future breaks and required quarantine?
All staff, students and families will be required to follow the New York State guidance in regards to travel procedures and be aware of what states are listed as “hot spots.”
Is there any plan to keep track of families/children who are returning from weekend trips or vacations to hot zones or any kind of air travel?
All families will be required to follow the New York State guidance in regards to travel procedures and be aware of what states are listed as “hot spots.”
When is the first day of school for students?
We will use all of our Superintendent’s Conference Days at the beginning of the year, pushing our first day to Sept. 14. However, this could change at any time based on decisions made by Governor Cuomo.
Will there be any changes to holidays or weeks off for vacation?
We do not anticipate any changes at this point.