Community Message 2.21.21

NEWS

Community Message 2.21.21

February 21, 2021

Dear Warwick Valley CSD Community,

I hope you have had a restful and relaxing February Recess. In the words of author Anamika Mishra, “Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” Some students report enjoying the winter weather while regretting the loss of potential snow days! 

Weather and School Closings

Mother Nature sure has been busy this winter season, with another wintry mix forecasted for tomorrow. Thus far, we have used six snow days, closing school four traditional snow days and using two other days to extend the Thanksgiving and Winter recess periods. 

Therefore, as we shared months ago, moving forward, when snow/inclement weather is an issue, the District may switch all students to remote learning. Full closures, including the suspension of remote instruction, will remain a possibility for days when inclement weather poses a significant power or internet connectivity issue in our area. 

Returning to School 

Cohort A students report to school tomorrow (cycle day E). 

New York State requires anyone who travels internationally to a CDC designated Level 2 or higher country, or a non-contiguous state, to quarantine. I urge you to take a few minutes to review the Travel Quarantine Guidance if you traveled during the February recess: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.

The elementary principals will announce a revised plan tomorrow for third- and fourth-grade students, offering in-person instruction daily, commencing within the next few weeks. We will continue to strive to provide more in-person instruction in all grades.

COVID-19 Update

The following overview will provide you with a summary of positive cases since my last communication.  

  • Middle School: The Middle School had three employees test positive. One employee was not in school during his/her infectious period. However, two of the employees were in school during their infectious periods. These two cases resulted in the combined quarantining of approximately 40 students and one employee.  
  • Sanfordville Elementary School: Sanfordville Elementary School had three students test positive. These students were not in school during their infectious periods.  

We continue to update our COVID-19 Dashboard/Report Card daily — New York State’s COVID Report Card. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) considers Pine Island ES as a Sanfordville Elementary satellite school. Therefore, the NYSED requires the District to add Pine Island School’s COVID-19 cases to the Sanfordville Elementary report.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Warwick Valley Central School District celebrates our nation’s diversity, and this focus includes the contributions of Black Americans. Black History month provides us all with an opportunity to learn more about these essential contributions, which are important lessons to be taught in February and throughout the school year. We stand firm on the fact that our Black students’ lives — and all Black lives — matter. 

This past summer, the District pledged to continue meaningful conversations about equity, diversity, and inclusion. While the pandemic presents additional challenges, it will not serve as a barrier to furthering this critical charge. At the March 4 Board of Education meeting, we will share an update on the District’s plans to advance this work. 

I hope the break enabled everyone to rest and relax. 

Stay healthy and be well.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Leach
Superintendent of Schools

 

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe now to receive more just like it.

Comments are closed.