November 20, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians:
I would like to thank the students and staff who participated in the first week of COVID-19 testing at Northwood Elementary School. Originally, we were instructed to test 20 percent of our in-school population at Northwood until 100 percent were tested. Regulations coming from New York State continue to be fluid and, over the weekend, schools were given new guidance. Currently, schools in yellow zones must test 20 percent of in-person students, faculty and staff over the two-week period immediately following the announcement of a yellow zone designation. If the results of the testing reveal that the positivity rate among the 20 percent of those tested is lower than the yellow zone’s current 7-day positivity rate, testing at that school will no longer be required to continue. I am happy to report that we tested 160 individuals and had zero positive tests this week, so at this time no further testing is required.
School districts are proving that we are doing what we need to do to keep infection rates down and schools open. The increases in positivity rates that we are seeing in our community are due to behaviors outside of school – not practicing social distancing and properly wearing masks.
We have also received direction from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the NYS Governor’s Office that we may begin a Winter Season for moderate and low risk sports.
As such, the Monroe County Public School Athletic Conference (MCPSAC) Athletic Administrators and Superintendents, as well as the Hilton Central School District will offer the following sports and levels: Boys/Girls Varsity Bowling, Boys Varsity and JV Swimming and Diving - beginning Monday, Dec. 7; Co-ed Mod B Swimming and Diving - beginning Monday, Dec. 14. We are waiting for Section V Guidance on Indoor Track & Field, and the NYSDOH Guidance on Basketball, Cheerleading, Ice Hockey and Wrestling. All are currently “ON PAUSE” until further notice. Additionally, the NYSDOH categorized “High Risk” Fall Sports (Football, Volleyball and Fall Cheerleading) have been moved to a Fall-2 Season beginning on Mar. 1, 2021, and the Spring Season start date has been moved to April 19, 2021.
Please take a few moments to view this week’s episode of Cadet Chat with Dr. Kosiorek . This week, my colleagues and I will address questions about lunch program funds and refunds, use of cafeterias and gymnasiums for instruction, tax refunds, ventilation, costs associated with International Baccalaureate Programmes, and teachers training teachers.
Also, if you haven’t already done so, please be sure to make a commitment by the end of the day today to indicate whether your child will be a remote or a hybrid learner from February through the end of the school year. If you have multiple children, please make a commitment for each child. To make your commitment, please follow the directions at this link.
As we head into the holiday season, I ask that you think of your loved ones when making decisions about gatherings. I know that the holidays will be different and that sacrifices will have to be made, but we have to see the bigger picture and that is a future with happy memories that families and friends will be able to make together.
I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you and your family are able to enjoy the long weekend in good health.
Sincerely,
Casey Kosiorek, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
