April 14 Parent Update
NCS Families and Staff,
This past weekend, I emailed with an update regarding the revised guidance for in-person learning that was recently released by the NYS Department of Health (DOH). Unfortunately, however, after reviewing the document with local health officials, we are unable to shift from 6 to 3 feet of spacing in the High School because of the transmission risk level that currently exists in Ontario County.
Please know that we share the sense of disappointment and frustration that many of you are feeling right now. We were hopeful that the revised guidance would allow us to increase the number of in-person learners in the High School, and I have tried to answer some of the questions you might have in the space below.
Why can’t we bring more High School students back for five days of in-person learning each week?
To minimize exposure to COVID-19, the DOH has recommended that schools place students in “cohorts” whenever possible. We have been able to do this in grades UPK-6, but our High School students have followed traditional period-by-period schedules for the 2020-2021 school year.
The guidance now requires that schools adhere to the four community transmission levels (low, moderate, substantial, and high) established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The indicators are based on the total new cases per 100,000 persons within the preceding 7 days, and the information can be accessed by clicking this link.
Because our High School is located in a county with a “high” risk for transmission and we are unable to cohort our secondary students, we must adhere to the original 6 feet of distancing until the rate decreases—something that might not happen for weeks or months.
What does the new guidance mean for my child or children in the Elementary School?
At this point, we do not anticipate the revised guidance changing our learning model in the Elementary School. Because we already have close to 95% of our youngest students back for in-person learning 5 days per week, we are committed to giving our kids their existing teachers, learning spaces, and remote options for the remainder of the school year.
What would school look like in the High School if we could switch from 6 to 3 feet of physical distancing?
If the transmission rate in Ontario County falls to “substantial,” “moderate,” or “low,” we believe we could increase the number of High School students able to attend NCS each day as in-person learners. However, the following would have to be in place for that to occur:
- Daily health checks
- 2 students per bus seat in order to accommodate transportation needs
- Masks worn at all times
- 3-feet of physical distancing in classrooms as opposed to 6
- 6-feet of physical distancing when eating, singing, or playing instruments
How will we know if there is a change to the learning model in the High School?
Each Monday morning, the Ontario County superintendents will meet via Zoom with the Health Director and the County Administrator to review transmission rates. If we are able to make adjustments to our learning model, we will notify our parents using email, phone calls, Facebook, Twitter, and our homepage.
How can we provide feedback on reopening in Naples?
There are three main ways that you can provide input on modifying our learning plans here in Naples. First, you can attend a Parent Zoom (link emailed to parents) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 15. Second, if you are a High School student, staff member, or parent, you can click here to take a brief 30-second survey on your preferences. Third, you can always give me a call (585-374-7901) or send me an email (mfrahm@naplescsd.org) to talk in more detail.
Most importantly, thank you for your patience and support as we move closer to having all our students back at NCS. Please know how much we value your partnership, and how much we appreciate your commitment to keeping our school community safe.
My best,
Matt
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