Reopening Update

October 7, 2020

Dear Tapestry Families and Staff,

I hope this finds all of you well and staying healthy as we charge into our second month of school this year.

A few updates:

Reopening Plan Revision, Return to School Flowchart:

We have received updated guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) around a more detailed Return to School Flowchart in their recent “Pre-K to Gr. 12 COVID-19 Toolkit”.  From this point forward, this new Flowchart from the NYSDOH will replace the less detailed flowchart that was in our Reopening Plan since July.  Our Reopening Plan can be found on our website, with links to the new NYSDOH Toolkit/Return to School Flowchart.

ECDOH Rapid Testing Sites:

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) has established three point-of-care rapid testing sites throughout the county specifically for P-12 students and employees.

ECDOH Point-of-Care Fast Facts:

  • WHAT: ECDOH point-of-care COVID tests for students and school staff
  • WHO: Available to Erie County residents who are symptomatic P-12 students who attend in-person school settings and symptomatic school employees (must bring school ID and should not be under quarantine).
  • WHERE: Three locations – Northtowns, Central and Southtowns.
  • WHEN: Weekday mornings.
  • HOW TO SCHEDULE: Call (716) 858-2929, the Erie County COVID Information Line. This is open M-F, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • HOW LONG FOR RESULTS: Results in most cases are available in 15 minutes. Individuals being tested will be told where to park while waiting for results.

Appointments are scheduled two days out on a first-come, first-serve basis. When point-of-care appointments are full, the ECDOH will offer an appointment at one of the regular diagnostic swab sites (currently scheduling Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). A searchable online map of COVID test sites in Erie County is updated regularly at www.erie.gov/covidtestsites.

Staying Diligent:

As we are move into our second month of school, and routines are beginning to harden in the lives of our families and staff, please continue to be diligent about mask wearing, physical distancing, and respiratory and hand hygiene.  We have recently learned that many confirmed cases of COVID-19 in WNY schools could have been avoided.  If your child is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, has traveled internationally or to a restricted state in the last 14 days, please do not send your child to school.

Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. Masks are an example of source control. Several studies have documented asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 transmission; meaning that people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still transmit the virus to other people. Masks are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected.

Say Yes Virtual Learning Support Centers open for K-8 Students:

Virtual Learning Support Centers are in-person sites throughout the community designed to assist families in need of supervision, nutrition, internet connectivity, and support during this period of remote school instruction.  “Live Well Erie Cares Act Child Care Funding” is currently in place to support the Virtual Learning Support Centers through December 31, 2020. Say Yes Buffalo has been designated by the Buffalo Board of Education to administer this programming for Buffalo students.

Support Centers will be operated independently by community-based organizations including child care centers, churches, community centers, and youth-oriented agencies. Transportation will NOT be provided.  The program is open for all students currently in grades K-8.  For more information, please visit Say Yes Buffalo’s website here.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

We are crew.

Thank you,

Eric Klapper

Executive Director