Important announcement from Superintendent McDonald - 9/17/20
UPDATE:
September 17, 2020
Dear Baldwinsville families,
The District has been working with the Onondaga County Health Department regarding the two students at Durgee Junior High School who have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of the county’s investigation 62 Durgee students, 10 Durgee teachers and 9 Baker High School students are required to quarantine for 14 days.
The District has determined that our best course of action is to cancel all in-person instruction at Durgee Junior High School beginning Friday, September 18. During this time all students will take part in 100% remote instruction. Durgee Principal T.J. Fraher will be communicating with Durgee families about the shutdown remote schedule.
Students at Durgee Jr. High School are anticipated to resume in-person instruction on Monday, September 28.
This is not an easy decision to make, but due to the amount of teachers under quarantine orders by the county Health Department and out of an abundance of caution, this is the best course of action for our Junior High School at this time.
The county Health Department is in the process of contacting the students and staff members who are required to quarantine. An example of the county’s communication to those families is available HERE.
Again, this closure of in-person instruction only impacts Durgee Jr. High School. All other schools will continue with in-person instruction as scheduled.
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
September 17, 2020
Dear Baldwinsville families,
The District was notified by the Onondaga County Health Department that we have two students at Durgee Junior High School who have tested positive for COVID-19. I was made aware of this information today at noon. District officials in conjunction with the county Health Department immediately began its investigation, which is in its beginning stages.
The students impacted were last in attendance on Friday, September 11, 2020. The county Health Department is in the process of identifying and notifying individuals considered to be close contacts of the students who tested positive.
The students are currently in isolation as ordered by the county Health Department. We are waiting to hear from the county Health Department about additional quarantine orders, if any for students or staff. Again, the county is in the beginning stages of its contract tracing and investigation.
I hope you understand that we can’t provide any additional information about these students 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.
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
