Update on COVID-19 testing in our schools

November 16, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am writing this evening because the District received notification that the New York State Health Department has updated its guidance for testing in schools in the yellow micro-cluster zone. 

As communicated by the health department and government officials, the current spread of COVID-19 is not occurring inside schools. It’s occurring in bars, restaurants, gyms, large neighborhood gatherings, and places of worship. With that reality, the state Health Department has issued the following update, which takes effect this week: 

“Schools in yellow zones must test 20% 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% 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.  A positivity rate in a school that is lower than in the yellow zone is a sufficient demonstration that in-person instruction is not a significant driver of local viral spread.”  

For our District, after testing this week in our schools, as long as we are below the positivity rate of 5.83% (this percentage changes each day based on a rolling average), we will be considered safe by the NYSDOH to continue to remain open without further testing of students and staff.  

Testing will take place on Wednesday at Elden Elementary School and Palmer Elementary School. Thank you to all our families who have given consent and registered for their children to be tested. Durgee Junior High School and C.W. Baker High School students and staff will be tested on Friday. A link will be sent out to eligible families and staff as soon as it becomes available.  

Now more than ever it is important to maintain social distancing, utilize face coverings, and follow good personal hygiene habits like frequently washing hands.  As always, we appreciate your support and understanding on this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. DeBarbieri, Acting Superintendent of Schools