Updates - Vaccine Clinic 3/1, Rapid Test Kits, Mask Mandate

February 22, 2022

 

Dear Families and Staff Members:

 

I hope that everyone is enjoying February break! The warmer temperatures hold the promise that spring is not far away! Here are a few important updates:

 

Vaccine Clinic - Tuesday March 1, 2022 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Grimshaw Elementary Cafeteria

Our partners at Wegmans Pharmacy will host a vaccine clinic in the Grimshaw Elementary School Cafeteria from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. This clinic is open to students, staff members, families and community members. This clinic is open for individuals requesting a first dose, second dose, or booster shots for all eligible individuals ages 5 and older. Please sign up in advance using the following link - https://c.ateb.com/8a108e206c55489f80e53be68a69b8cc

 

COVID Case Counts 

COVID case counts continue to decline, which is welcome news. You can view the latest case reports at https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/#/home. I wish everyone who has been diagnosed a speedy recovery.

 

COVID Rapid Test Kits

Prior to February break, our principals distributed rapid test kits to students and staff members. If you did not receive a rapid test kit or would like to have a few extra on hand at home, please feel free to reach out to the main office of your child’s school or contact the district office at 315-677-9728. We continue to receive weekly distributions of rapid test kits from the state and we have plenty of extra test kits available.  Governor Hochul has encouraged parents to conduct a rapid test at the conclusion of February break to help identify any COVID positive individuals prior to returning to school after the break. Feel free to try out your test kits some time on Sunday February 27th. If your child has a positive test result, please keep your child home from school for five days and contact your child’s school nurse. More information about isolation and quarantine is available at https://covid19.ongov.net/isolation-quarantine/ 

 

Mask Mandate

Governor Hochul has announced that she will make an announcement regarding the state wide mask mandate for schools on Friday March 4, 2022. The Governor stated last week that the state will continue to monitor case counts as students return to school following February break- https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2022/02/15/hochul---combination-of-factors--will-decide-school-mask-mandate 

 

If the state-wide mask mandate for schools is lifted, masks will no longer be required for students or staff members inside of Grimshaw Elementary, LaFayette Big Picture School, and LaFayette Jr/Sr High School. The Onondaga Nation School will continue to follow the safety guidelines outlined by Onondaga Nation leaders, which includes the requirement for students and staff to wear a face mask. 

 

It is likely that the federal requirement for masks will continue for school buses/transportation vehicles beyond the end of any state-wide face mask requirements that govern school buildings. We will continue to closely monitor any news from Governor Hochul, Onondaga Nation leaders, or the federal government regarding any changes to face mask requirements. I encourage all of our staff members and families to have a conversation about masks and the potential end to this requirement. I certainly recognize that we will have students and staff members who will continue to wear a face mask as an additional precaution to help prevent contracting or spreading COVID.

 

Thank you for your continued patience and support during this challenging time. We have a great school district, incredible students, and dedicated staff members who have gone above and beyond to stay connected and together throughout the pandemic. I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable February break and we look forward to seeing everyone back on February 28th.

 

Sincerely,

Jeremy Belfield

Superintendent of Schools

LaFayette Central School District

jbelfield@lafayetteschools.org

315-529-9550 (cell)