Dear Parents, Students and Staff:
This afternoon we received a message from The NYS Education Department. The message we received is below. This most recent communication indicates no change will be made to the current mask guidance until after Monday, June 7 to allow the CDC time to respond to Dr. Zucker’s letter. The letter reads:
As of September 1, 2020, school districts were permitted to reopen, under Executive Order 202.60, “subject to adherence to Department of Health issued guidance and directives.” These have included the submission of reopening plans to address, among other things, distancing and health requirements.
SED has been in communication with Executive staff regarding the attached letter from Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State Commissioner of Health. According to conversations with Executive staff, the intent of this letter was to obtain a response from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding differing standards for summer camps and schools; it has not changed any existing arrangements. Therefore, schools should continue to operate under their existing procedures until further notice. No changes have been, or will be, made by the Executive until after Monday June 7 to afford the CDC an opportunity to respond to the letter.
Clearly this is not what we had all hoped for. We are very hopeful a change will be announced sometime tomorrow, June 7th. We will post on our webpage and social media as soon as the official change to the mask guidance is given to NYS school districts. Until that time, we must all wear masks as we have been.
I realize the warmer weather is upon us, and I hope to hear something as soon as tomorrow.
Again, thank you for your patience.
Sincerely
Tim Calice
Superintendent of Schools