January 28, 2021
Dear Catskill CSD Community:
This afternoon, I was informed that two employees working District-wide and an employee working at Catskill High School have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Both District employees last worked January 26. The High School employee last worked January 27. Our District is currently assisting the Greene County Department of Public Health (GC DOPH) in conducting contact tracing. If you are not directly contacted by a school representative or the GC DOPH, you do not need to take any action. If you are contacted by the GC DOPH, please give them your complete cooperation.
Out of an abundance of caution, I am shifting Catskill Middle School and Catskill Elementary School to virtual instruction, effective Friday, January 29, 2021. With Catskill High School on virtual learning as of today, all Catskill CSD schools are on virtual instruction until further notice. I will provide our families with information about when students can return to hybrid in-person instruction in a follow-up communication mid-week next week.
Our ten-month instructional staff will work virtually from home. Ten-month essential staff will be contacted by their supervisor to report to work.
CTE, Heavy Equipment and New Visions students are permitted to continue with their in-person programming. Door-to-door transportation will be provided to students who attend the CTE and Heavy Equipment programs. Transportation for New Visions students will continue as normal.
I apologize for the inconvenience to our families and school community members. Please know that this decision stems from my commitment to providing instruction while placing a priority on the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
While I understand that you may want additional details, privacy laws prevent us from personally identifying individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
It is important that you continue to communicate with us regarding any quarantines and / or positive COVID-19 cases that may occur in your household. You can convey this information to your child’s principal or school nurse. Please also continue to complete our daily health screening form and follow CDC protocols such as mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitizing. We continue to encourage staff and students to stay home if they are feeling ill and / or have COVID-19 related symptoms.
Lastly, if you have particular questions or concerns, you may wish to contact the GC DOPH at (518) 719-3600.
As always, I can be reached at (518) 943-4696 for questions as well.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools