The district received confirmation Sunday of two cases of COVID-19 in our school community, both requiring contact tracing procedures.
- One of the cases is at Cohoes High School and will require the school to go fully remote on Monday, Feb. 1 due to staffing shortages. Currently, the plan is to resume in person hybrid instruction on Tuesday. The individual was last in the building on Jan. 28. Principal Laura Tarlo and Assistant Principal Tom Kostrzebski are working to contact those considered a close or proximate contact. They expect to complete contact tracing calls Monday morning to discuss with affected students and staff the need to quarantine and other related information.
- The self-contained program will also be fully remote on Monday.
- Students in BOCES CTE (VOTEC) programs will continue attending classes at the CTE campus (attendance and check-in will be taken at the main entrance at 7:25 am for morning program students and at roughly 10:15 am for afternoon program students).
- Tomorrow is Blue, Day 1. Students should engage in synchronous instruction and join their classes via Zoom. Links will be provided via Schoology.
- At Abram Lansing one new case was identified. The individual was last in the building on Jan. 27. District leaders are working closely with the health department to supply contact tracing information. Any students or staff members who were considered a close or proximate contact have been contacted by Principal Cliff Bird and will also be contacted by the Department of Health to discuss the need to quarantine and other related information. Students in quarantine will receive remote instruction.
Additionally, school leaders are keeping an eye on the weather and any district-wide cancellations or closings will be communicated as soon as possible.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict the district from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information and we cannot identify anyone who has tested positive. All health and safety measures remain fully in effect throughout the district. They include mask wearing, social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and the submission of a daily health screening form.
Please remember that the best plan for addressing the COVID-19 virus is to remain informed and follow these steps to help contain the spread of the virus:
- Keep at least a 6-foot distance between you and others when out in the community — even if you don’t feel sick or have any symptoms
- Wear a snug-fitting surgical or cloth face mask that covers your nose and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Call your healthcare provider in advance of a visit
- Limit social gatherings
We will continue to work closely with the health department and communicate any necessary updates via ParentSquare and our district website.