From the Superintendent's Desk
August 13, 2021
Dear Community Members;
We are looking forward to opening schools at full capacity in September and are currently preparing our buildings for full-time (5 days/week) in-person learning. Last week, Superintendents across New York State were informed that there would be no direction given to school districts by either the governor’s office or the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regarding any restrictions or requirements for operating schools in September.
This past week, I have been working with fellow Superintendents, the Niagara County Commissioner of Health and our School Board to take whatever steps are necessary to get our students back in school safely. In making our decisions, we have been monitoring data supplied to us by the Department of Health, as well as guidance from the Department of Education and CDC.
Currently, our plan for returning to full-time, in-person instruction in all our buildings on September 7, 2021 will include following these protocols:
Wearing a mask at all times is encouraged and recommended.
Masks will be worn by vaccinated and unvaccinated staff and students whenever moving about inside of buildings (upon arrival, during the change of classes, at dismissal, etc.).
Masks will be worn on buses by both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and staff.
The 3-foot social distancing guidance will be followed whenever practicable.
Masks are not required to be worn outside while on school property by either vaccinated or unvaccinated students and staff.
Masks may be removed by vaccinated and unvaccinated students once seated in the classroom or while in grouped or cohort settings (cafeteria, physical education, etc).
The effectiveness of these protocols will be reviewed on a weekly basis and adjustments will be made based on the data available and the current circumstances in our community. It is important to remember that in the event we are mandated by one of the agencies noted above, our plans will be adjusted appropriately. Throughout the pandemic, we have made it our priority to get our children back in school safely, in person, every day. I want to thank everyone for their continued support and understanding as we navigate the opening of our schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Stopinski
Superintendent of Schools
