COVID-19 update: March 12

As the district has been communicating for the past few weeks, we have been closely following the situation surrounding COVID-19. District administrators have been meeting with and receiving regular updates from the Saratoga County Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department.

It’s important to note, while the district does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, in an abundance of caution we have made several decisions to help minimize the spread of the virus in our school community. 

Beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 10, the Schuylerville Central School District will be doing the following:

  • Canceling all field trips, including walking field trips
  • Canceling all co-curricular travel
  • Suspending the use of the school facilities by any outside groups
  • Suspending parent volunteers and unnecessary guests in the school buildings

In addition, please note the following events have been canceled or postponed:

Canceled
  • March 16-20: K-12 Bridge Arts Assembly
  • March 20: PEP Popcorn Sale
  • April 6 & 7: Kit’s Interactive Theatre (elementary)
  • April 7: SPAC Classical Kids assembly (elementary)
  • April 8: PEP meeting
Postponed
  • March 15: Wrestling dinner
  • March 18: 5th Grade Parent Night
  • March 18: Varsity Track and Field Parent Night
  • March 21: PEP Adults Trivia Night
  • March 24: National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
  • March 27: Middle Schools Kids Night Out
  • March 31: Quiz Team competition, Grades 9-12
  • April 2 & 3: Elementary and Middle School Spring Book Fair
  • April 3: PEP Kids Trivia Night
  • April 6: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
  • LEGO Club (elementary)
  • PRIDE Taekwondo Club (elementary)

Families will be notified of any changes that will occur post-April break as we continue to monitor the situation over the next four weeks. In regards to athletic practices and events, the district will be following guidance from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and will communicate accordingly. 

Cleaning and disinfection practices continue

The district has hired extra personnel to clean all individual desks in the district every evening. We also 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. 

Closure of schools

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 schools due to COVID- 19 on their own, and will seek specific guidance from the state or local health officials to determine if, when, and for how long to take these steps. 

Again, the decisions outlined in this letter have been taken in an abundance of caution to keep the safety of our students and staff a priority. Our ability to effectively limit exposure to COVID-19, as well as thoroughly clean the school buildings every evening are our two main goals. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.

Dr. Ryan Sherman
Superintendent of Schools