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Masking Mandate, Quarantine Updates, A Celebration of Teaching and Learning

Good Afternoon,

Update on Masking Mandate
As many of you may be aware, Governor Hochul participated in a zoom meeting with educational partners on Tuesday, 2/8, to discuss the state of the pandemic and universal masking.  It is our understanding that the Governor thanked school leaders and other partners in education during this meeting. It is our further understanding that NYSCOSS advocated for metrics that will define when universal masking expires and cautioned about using vaccination as a metric.

As I shared during a Regular Meeting of the Board on 2/2/2022, the Wayne Finger Lakes CSO group has been championing for the articulation of an "offramp" to existing COVID related measures.  Most recently, our group has collaborated to draft a unified message in advocacy for an exit strategy and to provide our communities "hope" for a return to normalcy. I have attached the WFL CSO communication to the Governor in this message. 

During a press release this morning, Governor Hochul indicated that we may expect the masking mandate to continue through our return from February Break.  There will be a concerted effort to ensure that COVID test kits are available at school districts before the midwinter break and again immediately following the break.  Governor Hochul indicated that in/by early March they "will make an assessment on protocols based on the latest metrics."  Metrics identified for decision making include the following: cases per 100,000, percent positivity, hospital admissions, pediatric hospitalizations, vaccinations, and global trends. Governor Hochul also shared that her team is "drafting proposed guidelines now, working closely with educational partners."

In the interim of further guidance and/or a ruling on the masking mandate from the appellate court, HCS would like to emphatically thank our families and the Honeoye community for your support of teaching, learning and the Honeoye Central School District.  To say it has been an onerous two years (for all of us) amidst the contextualization of COVID is an understatement.  We hear you...

Department of Health Update on Quarantine
On February 4, the NYSDOH pushed out updated guidance documents specific to quarantine and vaccination. The most impactful revision to past guidance is specific to student participation in extracurricular / athletic groups while in "test to stay" quarantine, as outlined below:
  • Individuals who are attending or working at school while on quarantine, and participating in the test to stay program, may participate in school-based extracurricular activities only if they do not involve students from other schools (e.g., not competitive sports events with other schools) and if appropriate COVID mitigation measures are in place and monitored by an adult. 
  • Individuals who are attending or working at school while on quarantine may attend eligible childcare programs for school age children (typically, programs such as early drop off, late stay, and after care) regardless of whether they include students from a single or multiple schools and regardless of whether they are located at the school or off-site, as long as appropriate COVID mitigation measures  (e.g., well-fitting masks, social distance, ventilation, hand hygiene) are in place and are monitored by an adult.  
Reminder:  Feedback Request Re Extended Day Programming at HCS
As I shared in a communication earlier this week, HCS is considering the need and potential benefit of offering before and after school child care. At this juncture, we are in the early stages of discussing partnership with the organization Healthy Kids to explore Extended Day programs and to provide such care onsite. At this time the district is looking for parent input to assess the need for this program to "get the ball rolling," if we hope to launch such a program in Fall of 2022.   If you think this programming may benefit your family, please complete the BRIEF interest survey attached in the 2/7 ParentSquare communication.

A Celebration of Teaching and Learning: BOE Visit at ES on 2/9
At Honeoye Central School District, we are committed to a vision of innovative leadership in education, where we inspire our students to achieve individual success through a rigorous and challenging academic environment.  The Board of Education visit at the elementary level on Wednesday, February 9, reflects a tremendous celebration of teaching and learning and a time honored, rich tradition of professional practice here at the POUND.  Many thanks to our ES teaching staff and students who "wow"ed our BOE guests, showcasing the tangible “why” and purpose of our work in public education. Many thanks to the BOE members who were able to participate today and who will have the opportunity to share about their powerful experience today with the Honeoye community.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions about this information or otherwise. Thank you for your continued patience and support of the district.  Be safe and be well!

Sincerely,
E. Bridget Ashton

Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Honeoye Central School District
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, New York 14471
[email protected]
On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton

Attached Files