Community Update December 21, 2021

Tuesday December 21, 2021

Dear NCS Parents and Community:

Please find important updates below:

COVID Updates

Being Prepared

As the number of positive cases increases we are reminded to revisit all learning options so that we can keep student learning going under all circumstances. Often students required to isolate or quarantine feel fine and have slight or no symptoms.  There is no plan to move to a remote or hybrid learning environment at this time.  However, if circumstances require it, we want our students to be prepared to learn. 

Therefore, we will be sending all students home with their portable learning tool and some basic instructions on Wednesday just in case some of our students have to learn remotely for some period of time after the holidays.  Our goal is not to lose days of instruction while students obtain their electronic learning tool.

Test to Stay

All schools in Ontario County are participating in Test to Stay which means unvaccinated students who are not sick but were in close contact with a positive case outside the home can take a daily rapid test before attending class each day.  The rollout of this process at the state level was rough but we now have clarifications, including that students may attend classes but may not attend extracurricular activities. Please click HERE if you are interested in reviewing the complicated NY State Health Department determination letter. Essentially the only way to be allowed to use the Test to Stay program is to follow this letter.

Of course, Test to Stay is also dependent on the school’s ability to manage the number of tests and the number of tests in supply.  At this time, we have been able to manage the volume of tests before school each day and we hope to be able to continue to work with manageable numbers. 

January Regents Examinations Canceled by NY State

We received word today that New York State has canceled all January 2022 Regents Examinations due to COVID concerns that may impact equal opportunities for students to perform on these tests.  NCS will still have mid-term exams at that time and the school schedule will not be impacted.

Welcome Mr. Kevin Swartz as our new Superintendent of Schools

Again, join us in welcoming Mr. Kevin Swartz as the incoming Superintendent. Mr. Swartz has been on-site meeting folks and visiting with many students.  He is excited for his first official day on January 3.  Welcome Mr. Swartz and we are happy to have you as part of the NCS Family!

Thank you to our NCS Parents and Community

We thank all of our parents for their continued partnership as we continue to do all we can to keep school as safe and as normal as possible for our children.  We hope the upcoming holiday time is spent with loved ones and is a chance to reflect on the importance of good health and family time.