COVID-19 cases in our District 11/15/20

Dear parents and guardians, 

I am writing today because the District was notified that we have seven positive cases of COVID-19 in our District. District officials in conjunction with the Onondaga County Health Department immediately began its investigation for each of the cases, which are ongoing. It is important to know that many of the positive cases are a result of exposures to families members, including siblings that attend our schools.

The first case involves a Durgee student who was last in attendance on November 10. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation. They will be contacting the 13 students who are required to quarantine. The quarantine is expected to end on November 24, with a return to school after our holiday break on December 2 as scheduled for the Buzz cohort.

The second case also involves a Durgee student. This student was last in attendance on November 9. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation. They will be contacting the 13 students who are required to quarantine. The quarantine is expected to end on November 23, with a return to school on November 24 as scheduled for the Hive cohort. 

The third case involves a C.W. Baker High School student who was last in attendance on November 3. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation, but at this time there appears to be no quarantines due to in-school exposure. 

The fourth case also involves a C.W. Baker High School student. This student was last in attendance on November 6. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation, but at this time there appears to be no quarantines due to in-school exposure. 

The fifth case involves a Ray Middle School student who was last in attendance on November 5. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation, but at this time there appears to be no quarantines due to in-school exposure. 

The sixth case involves a Ray Middle School student who was last in attendance on November 4. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation, but at this time there appears to be no quarantines due to in-school exposure. 

The seventh case involves a Van Buren Elementary School student who was last in attendance on November 3. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation, but at this time there appears to be no quarantines due to in-school exposure.

The seven impacted students are now in isolation. We can’t provide any additional information about them due to confidentiality and privacy constraints.

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 cancel in-person instruction in any of these buildings. The District’s custodial staff will continue its regular deep cleaning and sanitizing practices in our buildings and on our school buses.

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