In the meantime, the governor promised that the state would release re-opening guidance for schools next Monday ‒ news that my superintendent colleagues and I have been waiting for since the school year officially ended some three weeks ago. Throughout the past several weeks, I and other district leaders from our area have participated in discussions with Capital Region BOCES about the various challenges re-opening schools in September will present. First and foremost is the health and well-being of our students and staff when and if we are allowed to open our doors in September. Other considerations include transportation logistics, financial impact, K-12 scheduling and the implications of remote learning on special education, technology and access needs, as well as curriculum development and professional training for educators.
Like others in the region and across the country, our school district continues to study the latest guidance and protocols issued by the CDC and review best practices outlined in plans developed by educational leaders in other states as we prepare our own plan for re-opening our schools in the fall. My administrative team has put their critical skills to the test brainstorming various scenarios and what these would mean for our students and school community.
I echo the sentiments expressed by Governor Cuomo Wednesday when he said that to definitively declare that schools WILL BE OPEN in September would be negligent and reckless given the unpredictability of this virus. Prior to opening, it is imperative that we have a solid plan in place that protects the safety and well-being of children and adults.
In addition, the governor indicated, and I tend to agree, that the data in New York needs to show no spike in the virus, especially following the Labor Day holiday weekend when our school year traditionally begins. The governor cautioned that if the number of cases does spike, the state will re-evaluate and could decide to close schools in a region and/or require districts to tweak re-opening plans depending on the specific situation.
Ideally, we want to return in the fall and be able to teach and learn in an environment that is safe and comfortable for all our students and staff; but realistically, I recognize this is a heavy lift that will require enormous consideration and a multi-pronged approach.
We will continue to communicate about our plans throughout the summer. I welcome any ideas or constructive feedback on re-opening schools that you have to offer. Please send emails to lcaplan@vlietschools.org, or post a comment in the box at the end of this blog.
Governor Cuomo’s timeline for school re-opening plans/decisions
• July 13: Finalized guidance issued by the state
• July 31: Schools required to submit reopening plans
• August 1-7: Decision made on whether to reopen, based on data.
Training video among safety protocols required for staff returning this summer
As our staff returns to work this summer, we are introducing a few required protocols. All staff who work in any capacity at school facilities must complete an online COVID-19 safety training video. To successfully complete the training, staff member must watch the 30-minute training video, which outlines safety practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Visit the Staff Resources web page to watch the safety video
Then, employees must complete and submit the All Employee COVID-19 Safety and Reopening Training Quiz and registration form. Visit the Staff Resources web page to access the registration form/Take the quiz
Self-Screening & Attestation mandatory for staff and visitors to the schools
Additionally, from this point forward all employees and guest visitors must complete a self-screening and attestation application before entering the buildings. The website https://entry.neric.org/watervliet can be saved to the home screen of a smart phone to essentially become an “app.” After completing the form, the phone’s screen will either turn green, giving visual permission to the health screening monitor that the individual may enter the buildings, or red indicating the person be denied access to the buildings.
Face masks, social distancing the new norm
All employees returning to work and visitors to our buildings will be required to wear face coverings when in common areas of the schools (hallways, entrances/exits, shared offices, etc.), when they will be in contact with others, or when it is reasonable to assume they will be in contact with others.
Face masks must fully cover the nose and mouth. Non-district issued face coverings are appropriate if they meet the required criteria. The district will supply a face covering for employees who do not have one.
Employees and visitors are also reminded to maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet from each other. Where social distancing is not possible, face coverings are a MUST! Also employees should practice social distancing when entering or exiting the building.
Board of Education leaders chosen for 2020-21 school year
Just want to congratulate board members Amanda Cavanaugh and Sheri Senecal on receiving unanimous approval during our July meeting to serve as president and vice president, respectively for 2020-21. Also, a warm welcome to new board member Tim Delisle who was elected to his first term in June. Looking forward to a successful school year and working in collaboration with the board!
I wish our students, teachers, staff and school community a peaceful, relaxing summer. Be sure to spend plenty of time outdoors and unplug from devices as much as possible. Most importantly, stay healthy and safe!
