Important Information from Dr. Cook – Phase II Reopening of Schools-Hybrid Model- First Day of Hybrid Instruction for Students – Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Updated October 7, 2020

Dear Catskill CSD Community:

The District is in the final stages of preparing for the Phase II reopening of our schools. Phase II is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. In Phase II, selected students will begin the Hybrid model with in-person instruction two days a week and three days virtually, while students who selected the virtual learning model will continue with 5 days of virtual instruction. The illustration below outlines both models of instruction.

HYBRID MODEL

REMOTE – 100% VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION MODEL

Our staff has done an extraordinary job in preparing for the return of students. Department supervisors and building principals have facilitated walkthroughs to simulate a typical school day. Arrival / dismissal procedures, hallway transitions, our lunch program, transportation drop-off and pick-up, parent drop-off and pick-up, as well as special area class instruction were reviewed.

Hallway directional signage, hand sanitizer machines, plexiglass desk guards and temperature scanning devices have been installed and / are in the process of being installed. I am confident that we are prepared to receive students on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

Last week, our principals mailed letters home with key information regarding grouping. Our priority is to ensure that siblings / families are in the same group. The informational letters specify which group (Group A or Group B) your child is assigned to in the Hybrid model. The informational letters have also specified procedures for arrival, dismissal, etc. It’s imperative that you review this information with your child so that he / she understands our expectations.

Daily Questionnaire

You will receive a questionnaire each morning on days that your child is scheduled to report to school in-person. The questionnaire will list the following items:

Question 1

Has the student or anyone in the household experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 48 hours; fever of 100.0° F or greater; chills; loss of smell or taste; fatigue; sore throat; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; nausea or vomiting; congestion or runny nose; headache; diarrhea; cough; muscle or body aches?

Question 2

To the best of your knowledge, in the past 10 days has the student or anyone in the household been in direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

Question 3

In the past 14 days has anyone in the household traveled internationally or returned from a state identified by NYS as having widespread community transmission of COVID-19? (visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory for applicable states)

I strongly encourage you to keep your child at home if there is a “yes” response to any of the questions. I also encourage you to read the Pre-K to Grade 12 COVID-19 Toolkit and use the document as a resource. Frequent communication with our administrators and staff is critical if your child is sick, comes into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and / or visited a restricted state or traveled internationally.

I need you to be mindful that all students are required to wear a mask for the entire day with the exception of mask breaks and the lunch program. I also need you to check your child’s temperature, before he or she reports to school. If your child is sick and / or his or her temperature is at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then he or she needs to remain at home.

In closing, the free breakfast and lunch distribution for Catskill Central School District students will continue through the Hybrid learning schedule at all locations. A scheduled listing of the distribution locations can be found on the District website under Food Services. Beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2020 distribution days will change to Mondays and Wednesdays. Please note, food will not be distributed on Thursdays after October 14, 2020. Pick up days will be Mondays and Wednesdays. For any questions or concerns please call (518)943-2300 ext. 1472.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any additional questions or concerns at (518) 943-4696.

Regards,

Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools