Dear families,
In response to the emerging situation surrounding COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, the district would like to detail the precautions it is taking and what students and families can do to help minimize the spread of the virus.
It’s important to note, while the district does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Saratoga County Department of Health and the New York State Education Department if the virus does become present in our district.
Districtwide cleaning and disinfection practices
At this time, we continue to take normal flu season precautions to disinfect and sanitize the school buildings, specifically common touch points such as door knobs and hardware, hand railings, etc. Buses have also been a focus of disinfection. A collective effort is being made by the custodial staff to take these cleaning precautions both during and after-school hours, as well as on the weekends.
Classroom hygiene
Teachers are taking the time to do the following in their classrooms:
- Demonstrating the technique of proper hand-washing and having students practice
- Demonstrating good coughing and sneezing hygiene
- Encouraging students to bring hand sanitizer to school and use it each day; emphasizing that hand sanitizer should not be shared
- Allowing extra time for hand-washing before lunch each day
- Reminding students to stay home and rest if they are showing signs of being sick
New, joint regulation from the NYS Department of Health and the NYS Department of Education
The local health department will notify schools if and when a school must close due to COVID-19 and when a school can reopen. Schools are not expected to make decisions about closing or canceling events due to COVID- 19 on their own, and can seek specific guidance from the state or local health officials to determine if, when, and for how long to take these steps. If a student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case, the New York State Department of Health requires an initial 24-hour closure in order to begin an investigation. That investigation will inform the plan determined by the local department of health as to any further required closure, or other necessary precautions to take for specific classrooms or for specific individuals.
As we continue to learn more about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will continue to update you with the information. Thank you in advance for your cooperation to ensure we are providing the healthiest and safest environment possible for our students and staff.
Dr. Ryan Sherman
Schuylerville Central School District Superintendent
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19