Important announcement from Superintendent McDonald - 10/16/20

October 18, 2020

Dear parents and guardians,

In follow-up to the announcement on Friday that a student at C.W. Baker High School tested positive for COVID-19, I am writing to inform you that the District has determined that the high school will remain open.

After review of our staffing needs at the high school, we concluded that we will be able to remain open for in-person instruction. I’m grateful that we don’t need to disrupt instruction for our in-person students.

The student impacted was most recently in attendance on October 8th, 13th and 14th and is now in isolation. The county Health Department determined that 62 students and 9 staff members are required to quarantine. The quarantine will end 14 days after the day of exposure, which means the majority of those in quarantine are scheduled to return to school on October 29.
  
Sincerely,
 
Matthew J. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools
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October 16, 2020

Dear parents and guardians,
 
I am writing today 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 late this afternoon from the student’s parent, and this evening we were able to confirm 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 most recently in attendance on October 8th, 13th and 14th and is now in isolation. The county Health Department is in the beginning stages of its contact tracing and investigation. They will be contacting the 62 students and 9 staff members who are required to quarantine.
 
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.
 
At this time, the District is reviewing our staffing needs and will determine if C.W. Baker High School needs to be closed.  A determination will be announced on Sunday.  The District’s custodial staff will continue its regular deep cleaning and sanitizing practices at the school.

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