Update on Onondaga Nation School August 28, 2020

August 28, 2020

 

Dear LaFayette Central School District Community:

 

Yesterday, district representatives met with the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs, Clanmothers, and Faithkeepers. The Council has decided that the Onondaga Nation School will remain closed for the first ten weeks of school and that all students and staff will participate in virtual instruction.

 

The Council is very concerned about the impact COVID-19 could have on the Onondaga Nation community. The LaFayette Central School District will respect the wishes of the governing body for the Onondaga Nation and the Onondaga Nation School will remain closed for in person instruction for the first ten weeks of school. 

 

Staff members at ONS will be allowed to work from home and must follow their school schedule and be prepared to provide live instruction during school hours. If staff members need to work in their classrooms to gather materials or prepare for digital instruction, staff members must gain permission from the principal in advance of coming into the building.

 

Principal Gonyea will follow up with families next week regarding pick up times for school owned devices. We will also reach out to families with additional details regarding meal delivery service for students at the Onondaga Nation School.

 

All remaining schools in the district will remain open for both in person instruction and digital instruction. Students from the Onondaga Nation who attend Grimshaw Elementary, LaFayette Big Picture School, and LaFayette Jr/Sr High School will continue to have the option of attending school either digitally or in person. 

 

Throughout this pandemic, I have been continually impressed with how our school community has adjusted to ever changing conditions. Thank you in advance for your understanding, support, and cooperation with this change.

 

Thank you to the Onondaga Nation Council and the LaFayette Board of Education for their continued support of our students and school community. 

 

Sincerely,

Jeremy Belfield

Superintendent of Schools

LaFayette Central School District

315-529-9550 (cell)

jbelfield@lafayetteschools.org