Important Announcement from Superintendent McDonald - 10/26/20

October 26, 2020

Dear parents and guardians,

I am writing this evening because the District was notified that we have a student at Durgee Jr. High School who has tested positive for COVID-19. The District was made aware of this information late this afternoon by the Onondaga County Health Department. District officials in conjunction with the county Health Department immediately began its investigation, which is ongoing.

The student impacted is a member of the “Buzz” cohort and was last in attendance on Oct. 19th. The student is also a member of an extracurricular group that met the evening of October 22nd. The student is now in isolation. We can’t provide any additional information about this student due to confidentiality and privacy constraints. 

The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation. Based on what we have been told, no students or staff members will be required to quarantine at this time. This is due to the social distancing and face covering protocols used by the District for in-person schooling and extracurricular activities.

Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that families please keep an eye out for signs and symptoms as it takes 7 to 8 days after exposure. The District is taking precautions to protect the health and safety of its students and employees. We will continue to closely monitor this situation and communicate updates, if necessary.

At this time, the District has determined that there is no need to close Durgee Jr. High School. The District’s custodial staff will continue its regular deep cleaning and sanitizing practices at the school.
  
We appreciate your support and understanding on this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.

Sincerely,  

Matthew J. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools