This page will be updated as information becomes available. Last updated January 11, 2022.

As we have throughout this crisis, our District will continue to follow the guidance and regulations set by state and local authorities that govern how we may safely deliver instruction.

Masks are required to be worn inside all District schools and buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
Unvaccinated staff are required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing
Spectators at winter sports events are limited to four spectators per athlete
CHS is on remote learning through January 14, 2021

* For earlier communications, please visit our Coronavirus Communications Archive

Athletics

COVID-19 Report Card

New York school districts are required to provide the Department of Health with daily data on the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each school. The information is publicly available on a new online dashboard developed by DOH.

School COVID-19 Report Card

NYS Regents Exams

The NYS Education Department has canceled the January, 2022 High School Regents Examination Program. This cancellation applies to all Regents Examinations scheduled for the January, 2022 Regents Examination period. No decisions have been made regarding the June and August, 2022 administrations of Regents Examinations or any other State assessment programs. More at: http://www.nysed.gov/news/2021/january-2022-regents-examinations-cancelled-due-ongoing-pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotlines

New York State has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.

Columbia Memorial Health has also established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 518-828-8249.

NYS Office of Mental Health has established a COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-888-863-9314 or https://omh.ny.gov/

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Emergency Preparedness and Response

US Federal Government

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19

New York State

New York State Department of Health – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Local Departments of Social Services by County
NYS Education Department
NYS Local Health Department Telephone Numbers – If you feel you need to be tested, call your local Department of Health
Protect Yourself from COVID-19 and Stop the Spread of Germs

Greene County

Greene County Department of Health
Greene County Website
Greene County Mental Health
Mobile Crisis Assessment Team – In event of mental health crises
Albany Med EmUrgent Care

Mental Health and Anxiety Resources/Information

NYS Office of Mental Health COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline 1-888-863-9314 https://omh.ny.gov/

NYS has partnered with Headspace to offer New Yorkers free meditation and mindfulness content at www.headspace.com/ny

Taking Care of your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
www.gozen.com
www.calm.com
Mini Meditation
Down Dog App, which includes the apps Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout, is free until April 1st and has exercises you can do at home
Feeling Anxious Or Worried? Listen To These 8 Podcasts
Coronavirus Anxiety: 4 Ways to Cope with Fear
Help Kids Manage Anxiety around the Coronavirus (3 Expert Videos)
Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
Expert Offers Practical Advice to Manage Your Coronavirus Anxiety
Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19

How to Talk to your Children/Family about Coronavirus

Talking to Teens and Tweens About Coronavirus
How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
BrainPop cartoon video explaining Coronavirus
NPR Comic for Kids explaining Coronavirus
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Help Your Family De-Stress During Coronavirus Uncertainty
Fear and Anxiety – An Age by Age Guide to Common Fears, The Reasons for Each and How to Manage Them
How to Talk About Coronavirus With Kids
The Yucky Bug – Julia Cook
So You’ve Got Questions about Coronavirus
Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Published by the National Association of School Psychologists)

Mobile Crisis Assessment Team

Is an emergency mental health service that can provide emergency mental health assessments. Their services are available 7 days a week from 8am—10pm by calling 518-943-5555.

About COVID-19

Background

2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can lead to fever, coughing, trouble breathing and/or shortness of breath. While approximately 80% of cases lead to mild symptoms, there can be life-threatening cases, especially among older adults and those who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. The virus is likely spread through airborne droplets released when an infected person breaths, talks, coughs, or sneezes, by close contact with an infected individual, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. As of summer, 2021, the more highly-infectious Delta variant has been the predominant strain in the United States.

Symptoms

According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of the virus most commonly include fever with dry cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. Other symptoms reported include tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, diarrhea, and body aches. Some people may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all but may still be contagious.

Prevention

There are currently vaccines available to protect against this new virus. Federal, state, and local health departments recommend these simple steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated
Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose
Stay home whenever possible.
Practice social distancing – stay at least six feet from others and avoid large groups.
If you must go out, wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with anyone from outside your household
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys, door handles, cellphones, and countertops.

Additionally, if you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory illness and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider before going there and inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, then follow their advice.

2021-22 Reopening of School Plan

COVID-19 Guidance for Schools

CCSD Communications/Letters