Naples Covid Updates

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Good Morning NCS Families,

Last evening, the NYS Department of Health released updated guidance in response to Governor Hochul’s lifting of the school mask mandate as of today, March 2^nd, 2022.  As was shared Monday, the wearing of masks at NCS is now optional including buses for both students and staff.  The updated guidance is lengthy and the full document can be accessed at the bottom of this communication, however, there are a few key points the NCS community should be aware of:

-Should a student or staff member test positive for Covid and wish to return to school/work during days 6-10, they must wear a mask during that time period per DOH regulations.  This is the only required/mandatory piece of the updated guidance.

-Unvaccinated employees will still need to “pool” test.

-The local and state Department of Health will continue to monitor metrics moving forward.  Though our local DOH is encouraging masking given current data, they are not requiring that masks are worn in schools.

As was shared earlier in the week, opinions and feelings regarding masking vary and it will be important that everyone is respectful of the individual decisions our students, staff, and visitors make regarding masking as we move forward.  As has been the practice, staying home when feeling ill and utilizing available rapid tests will further help mitigate Covid both in our schools and community.  KN95 and rapid testing kits remain available in our Nurse’s Office’s for those who would like to access them.

Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding as the NCS community adjusts to these shifts.

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/03/school-guidance-03.01.22.pdf

Sincerely,
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent

NCS Families:

As you may have heard yesterday, Governor Hochul announced that the NYS mask mandate for schools will end effective Wednesday, March 2^nd.  Specifics regarding this announcement can be found here:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-plan-end-state-mask-requirement-schools-starting-march-2

Given the recent change with this mandate, the Naples CSD will be adjusting our practices moving forward.  Beginning on Wednesday, March 2nd, masks in schools will no longer be a requirement for students, staff, or visitors within school buildings, on school buses, or at extra-curricular events.  The decision to mask will be optional; we respect the choice that each individual student/family may make regarding masking based on their unique beliefs or circumstances.  As we have done previously and will continue to do, NCS is following the guidance as directed by state and local health authorities and this shift is in alignment to changes in these areas.  As have been done previously, I will continue to update the NCS community regarding shifts or changes related to Covid regulations.

To that end, it will be incredibly important for all of us to ensure that we respect the individual decisions made around masking.  Ultimately, we want all of our students and staff to feel welcome and supported while in school.  It may be helpful to have conversations with your child and remind them that different people may require different things in order to feel safe, to be successful, or to meet personal needs.  For instance:

-Some students require eye-glasses to help their vision.

-Some students utilize devices to assist with hearing, some wear braces to assist with dental plans.

-Students have specific programs to assist them with their learning goals, whether this be support, extension, or enrichment.

-Students use technology in various ways to support their learning.

-Some students utilize medications during the school day based on health needs.

In essence, the choice to wear a mask is no different.  I have the utmost confidence the NCS school community will continue to treat differences with understanding and empathy (that has been the case to date) and in doing so it will allow for the gradual shift to normalcy we have hoped to attain during the past two years. 

In an effort to maintain safety while also adhering to changes in guidelines, NCS will have KN95 masks available for students and staff through the nurse’s office daily for those who may want them and rapid tests will also remain available for students, staff, or family as requested.

I thank everyone in our community for the patience, the cooperation, and the incredible flexibility that has been demonstrated throughout this challenging time.  It is truly a reminder that Naples is a community that models the caring and respectful actions that serve as such powerful role models for our children.

Sincerely,
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent