COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
March 12, 2020
Dear Tapestry Families,
I am writing this morning with a few new updates on the proactive and preventative measures we are taking as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
At this time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our schools.
Recently, the NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) issued guidance on school closures in the event there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school community. The guidance is as follows:
“When a student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case, NYS DOH will require an initial 24-hour closure, in order to begin an investigation to determine the contacts that the individual may have had within the school environment. That investigation will inform the plan determined by the local department of health as to any further required closure, or other necessary precautions to take for specific classrooms, or for specific individuals. Such a plan must recommend actions for future positive COVID-19 cases as well. During that initial 24-hour closure the school shall immediately take steps to clean and disinfect the school building(s) where the student or staff had contact prior to testing positive for COVID-19. That disinfection must be in accordance with NYS DOH guidelines and must be complete before accepting returning students.”
Schools are not expected to make decisions about closing or canceling events due to COVID-19 on their own. We will be working in close collaboration with the state and local health officials to close school and/or make decisions to cancel large events.
In the event we are closed for an extended period of time our Compass Leadership Team has developed a plan to provide a continuity of instruction program:
- For students in grades K-5, an envelope of work will be sent home with each student by Monday, March 16th next week. The work provided should be used, if we are closed for an extended period of time, to reinforce skills and strategies previously taught. Again, this work is only being sent home as a precautionary measure in the event school is closed for an extended period. We ask that you store these packets in a safe place and set aside until further notice.
- For students in grades 6-12 we will use Google Classroom to facilitate online learning. Professional development is being offered currently to teachers to assist them so assignments can be posted regularly if we are closed for an extended period of time.
If the above mentioned options become necessary more information and guidance will be provided. For now, I just wanted you to be aware of the planning and preparation that is ongoing.
At this time, the district has canceled all international trips and exchanges until further notice. In addition, the most recent guidance from the Erie County Department of Health advises against all travel outside of WNY. Therefore, all domestic trips outside WNY are also canceled until further notice. More information will be provided by building principals to individuals involved in specific trips.
If your child has traveled to or plans to travel to an area outside New York State or to an area with an issued Travel Health Notice, please contact the building principal prior to their return to school so we can work to determine with the county health department whether to enact after-travel health precautions, which may include a 14-day quarantine.
As we continue our due diligence to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, we ask that you encourage healthy strategies at home with your families. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
We are crew.
Thank you,
Eric Klapper
Executive Director
