Dear Catskill CSD Parents / Guardians,
The health and safety of the school district community remains our highest priority. As per my previous notifications, today was a half-day of school for all students. Our secondary students were dismissed at 10:30am and our elementary school had an 11:30am dismissal.
Per the Governor’s Executive Order, there is a school closure effective March 18, 2020 and extending through April 1, 2020. Catskill Central School District will be closed during this time period. School is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Thursday, April 2, 2020. There are no athletic practices, school-related events, field trips, rehearsals and / or any extra-curricular activities during the closure period. We will reassess our ability to open school and will contact you immediately if this tentative reopen date changes.
Our teachers prepared lessons, materials and information for our students to continue learning throughout the closure period. The information is available on the District’s website and a link is also included on each school’s webpage. Students are expected to complete all assignments and will be held accountable for doing so.
I want to reassure you that through the duration of the school closure, our custodians and maintenance teams will continuously disinfect and thoroughly clean all areas and surfaces in our buildings and office spaces. We will also maintain communication with the county health department, and with our local and state government officials.
We recognize this may cause an inconvenience for your family, but our primary concern is the health and wellness of all students and staff. 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 school closure 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.
Below are links to the Extended Learning for all students where they can get their classwork and the Meal Distribution Flyer.
Extended Learning for Elementary Students
Extended Learning for Middle School Students
Extended Learning for High School Students
Regards,
Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools