Important Letter from Dr. Cook- March 15, 2020- CCSD Action Plan

March 15, 2020 (Updated March 17 to reflect Gov. Cuomo canceling classes statewide through April 1)

Dear Catskill CSD Parents / Guardians,

The health and safety of the school district community remains our highest priority. As per my March 14, 2020 update, I attended a meeting this morning with Greene County officials and had a ZOOM meeting this afternoon with Superintendents from the Questar III BOCES component districts. We are unified with ensuring that our schools  are safe, while strategically planning for continuous learning if there is a need to cancel classes. As of 2:00 pm, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, in our district. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that advanced notification, preparation and transparency are elements of necessity in circumstances of this nature. As a result of today’s meetings, Catskill Central School District’s plan of action is as follows:

1. Monday, March 16, 2020 is a Superintendent’s Conference Day for staff. There are no classes for students. On Monday, our teachers will be preparing lessons, materials and information for students and families. Please note that our goal is to provide materials and activities that are accessible to all students, regardless of their access to technology.
2. Tuesday, March 17, 2020 will be a half day of school for students. Our secondary (CMS / CHS) students will be dismissed at 10:30 am, while our elementary students will be dismissed at 11:30 am. This will give students an opportunity to clean their lockers, retrieve valuables and instructional materials for continuous learning.
3. All schools will be closed beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and extending through Wednesday, April 1, 2020. No athletic practices or school activities will occur during this time period.
4. Throughout the period of school cancellation, our custodial team will continuously disinfect surfaces throughout our schools.

We recognize this may cause an inconvenience for your family, but our primary concern is the health and wellness of all students and staff. That said, I understand that every family has a unique situation. Some may have people in their households who are vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. You may have a medically fragile child. If you choose to keep your child out of school on Tuesday, I respect your decision. The absence will be excused and we will provide you with further direction on how to retrieve your child’s work. While your children are home, I encourage you to continue to educate them about proper hand washing, coughing techniques, and overall germ management. I suggest that you encourage them to be cautious if they plan to congregate with friends and use frequently used playground equipment.

I have also included a meal plan distribution memo. Meal distribution will begin on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the prescribed designated locations. I understand that questions regarding the cancelation of schools will begin to develop regarding its impact on our students taking the state assessments, Spring Break, pupil support services, etc. I do not have the answers to those questions at the moment, but plan to provide you with updates as information becomes available.

In closing, I know that rumors fly in any crisis situation, I encourage you to stay informed by checking our website often. We are posting new developments at least daily. We will inform you directly if we learn of a confirmed COVID-19 case in our schools.

This is a difficult time and there is no easy path. Every day presents new dilemmas. Please know that we are doing our very best with the information that we have, at a time when information is changing quickly. Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we work through this crisis together.

Regards,

Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools

Catskill Central School District will be offering free lunch and snack to all CCSD students at central locations throughout the District during the CoVid-19 shut down.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – Friday, March 20, 2020
Monday, March 23, 2020 – Friday, March 27, 2020
Monday, March 31 – Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Distribution locations:

Lunch and a snack will be available to pick up at the listed times at the above locations free of charge to all Catskill School District students who provide their name and/or student lunch pin.

For questions or concerns please contact Food Service at 518-943-2300 ext. 1413.

Download Lunch Distribution Flyer