COVID-19 cases and Friday updates from Superintendent McDonald

November 6, 2020

Dear Parents & Guardians,

In effort to not overwhelm you with multiple emails, I’m writing to you today to inform you about two new COVID-19 cases and to provide you with a few announcements from this week.

The Onondaga County Health Department confirmed today we have two new cases of COVID-19 in our District. A staff member at McNamara Elementary School tested positive for the virus. District officials in conjunction with the county Health Department immediately began its investigations, which is ongoing. The staff member was last in attendance on Tuesday, November 3 and is now in isolation. Contract tracing by the Onondaga County Health Department has determined that no students or staff members will need to quarantine at this time.

The second case involves a 100% remote student who attends Palmer Elementary School.  Since the student is a remote learner and was not in attendance at the school this school year, there is no need for students or staff to quarantine based on school exposure. The remote learner is in isolation. 

We can’t provide any additional information about this student or staff member due to confidentiality and privacy constraints. We appreciate your support and understanding when we have a positive COVID-19 case in one of our buildings. As local health experts have said, this virus is not spreading within schools due to our mask requirements, social distancing protocols, and cleaning and disinfecting procedures. However, Onondaga County is currently facing its highest number of positive cases. It is important that we all continue to take precautions to protect ourselves and each other from COVID-19. Please remember to wear a mask in public and practice social distancing. Each person in our community must do their part to keep everyone safe.

Before I share with you updates from this week, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind our families and community members to drive safely and take precautions in our school zones. Please reduce speed in our school zones, watch out for pedestrians and do not pass stopped vehicles, especially during drop-off and pick-up at all of our schools. Be sure to pay attention. If you stay alert and focused, you can keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

I just have a few quick updates and announcements that I would like to share with you from this week:

• The Board of Education is seeking applicants for the vacant seat on the school board. Residents wishing to serve on the board are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume by November 18. Learn more on our website.
• Calendar reminder for next week: There is no school on Wednesday for Veterans Day. District Offices will also be closed.
• The Marking Period ends Friday, November 13. Report cards will be available in the Parent Portal beginning Friday, November 20.
• There’s been a change to our meal pickup for remote students. Meals will be available for pickup at Baker High School only. Pickup will no longer be available at Ray Middle School.
• The New York State Education Department announced this week that Regents exams scheduled for January are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. No decision has been made about the June and August Regents exams.
• Section III Athletics announced this week that the 2020-2021 indoor track and field season will be postponed. Other winter sports are expected to start on December 14, however we are waiting for more guidance from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and the governor’s office about the status of those sports that are considered “higher risk.”
• The holiday season is approaching and we’re excited to announce a holiday greeting card design contest. The contest will be open to all elementary school students and details will be announced on Monday.

Enjoy the beautiful weather and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Matthew J. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools