Important announcement from Superintendent McDonald - 10/8/20

October 8, 2020

Dear parents and guardians,

I am writing this afternoon because the District was notified that we have a student at C.W. Baker High School who has tested positive for COVID-19. I was made aware of this information earlier today from the student’s parent, and shortly after we confirmed the case with the Onondaga County Health Department. District officials in conjunction with the county Health Department immediately began its investigation, which is ongoing.

The student impacted was last in attendance on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. The county Health Department is in the process of identifying and notifying individuals considered to be close contacts of the student who tested positive. 

The student is currently in isolation. As a result of the county’s investigation, 77 C.W. Baker High school students and 6 staff members are required to quarantine, according to the county Health Department. The quarantine will end 14 days after the day of exposure, which means those in quarantine will return to school on or about October 21.

Due to the four-day weekend, the District has determined that we do not have to close Baker High School, pending any additional cases. The high school will be open when students return from the long weekend on Tuesday, October 13.

The District’s custodial staff will continue its regular deep cleaning and sanitizing practices. The county is in the beginning stages of its contract tracing and investigation. They will be contacting the students and staff members who are required to quarantine.

I hope you understand that we can’t provide any additional information about this student 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