*Scroll down to attend virtual meeting*
Dear School Community:
Since last my video message to you on November 2, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Oneida County continues to increase. On Saturday, November 7, there were 51 new cases and on Sunday, November 8, there were 44 new cases. As a result, Oneida County’s infection rate is now 1.26 percent.
In an effort to keep you as informed as possible about the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued effects on our district, please watch my latest video message recorded on November 9. There will also be a virtual 30-minute community forum hosted by myself and Board of Education President John Acee on Tuesday, November 10, from 5:45-6:15 p.m.
To attend the meeting by video conference/computer:
Link - meet.google.com/hez-xqeg-pgn
To attend the meeting by phone:
Phone Number - 1-608-856-4165 PIN - 297676901#
In summary:
· Per New York State’s “micro-cluster” strategy, if Oneida County’s infection rate reaches three (3) percent (yellow zone), schools must randomly test 20 percent of staff/students on a weekly basis, among other mandates, to remain open to in-person instruction.
· As previously communicated to you, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the district to monitor, enforce and meet all requirements concerning testing. Consequently, if Oneida County’s infection rate reaches three (3) percent, the district will most likely convert to 100 percent remote instruction until the infection rate drops back below three (3) percent.
· Governor Cuomo recently issued an executive order updating the state’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory. The advisory now requires everyone who travels outside New York State and its bordering states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont) to complete the following upon return to New York State:
o If away for less than 24 hours, no quarantine is required, but a COVID-19 test must be taken within four (4) days of return.
o If away for 24 hours or more, an individual must:
§ Quarantine for 14 days; OR
§ Take a COVID-19 test within three (3) days before returning to New York State, quarantine for three (3) days once back and, on day four (4), take another COVID-19 test. Quarantine can end early if a negative result is received for both tests.
o Failure to quarantine would require everyone in a household to quarantine. However, the state has not said how long that quarantine must be.
· Since the holiday and travel season is upon us, to best protect the health and safety of staff and students and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the district is converting to 100 percent remote instruction for the week following Thanksgiving Recess (November 30-December 4) and the week following Holiday Recess (January 4-8). This proactive plan will allow for families to plan ahead and staff and students to monitor for symptoms before returning to school.
Again, there will be a virtual 30-minute community forum hosted by myself and Board of Education President John Acee on Tuesday, November 10, from 5:45-6:15 p.m., to further discuss my latest update and address any questions or concerns. The link to join will be posted on the district website 15 minutes before the start of the forum.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community are our number one priority. Thank you for your continued cooperation, understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools
Click here to watch my video message recorded on November 9.