I hope everyone is healthy and enjoying the nice weather that the summer months have brought us. We have been through some stressful times and, while they will come to pass eventually, we can not be sure when that will be. COVID-19 has disrupted our learning community in many ways, OESJ remains committed to providing a learning environment focused on the safety and wellness of our students, families, and employees.
The New York State Education Department and the Governor’s office released a comprehensive guidance document related to the reopening of schools in New York State and set the deadline for district submission for today, July 31, 2020. School districts were asked to submit reopening plans for three scenarios: in-person learning, remote learning, and hybrid learning (a combination of in-person & remote learning).
Our reopening plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The health and safety of our students, our staff and their families is our top priority. We want students and employees to feel comfortable and safe returning to school campuses and we need to enforce NYSED guidelines and wear face coverings on the school bus, in the hallways and bathrooms, and when social distancing cannot be maintained.
The district has formed a reopening task force to assist in the development of the protocols and procedures in each of the main components of the plan. We will continue to meet throughout the month of August and into the school year as needed. The task force is composed of administrators, teachers, school personnel, and community members. We also conducted a staff survey and received over 300 responses, which provided us with valuable information. Your participation and support were and are greatly appreciated.
Please note, school reopening plans are subject to state approval. It is anticipated the state will review district plans the week of Aug. 1-7. The State will then approve, deny, or suggest changes to those plans. It is also anticipated that the State will announce its decision whether to reopen schools to students statewide at that time. Elements of our plan may change based on new information and guidance from the state and health agency partners. We will continue to share relevant updates with our community.
I thank you in advance for your commitment to the school district, its staff, and above all, to the success of our students. Our greatest endeavor is to keep everyone safe while providing instruction and support to our students. We will be hosting community forums to discuss our reopening plan and to address any questions family or community members may have. We will notify the community and parents of the planned dates and times of these forums in a separate communication. Know that we will do all that we can to help you during these difficult and challenging times. We are in this together.
Families who have questions or concerns about the plan can contact the following administrators:
OESJ Elementary School
Jeanine Kawryga, Principal
jeanine.kawryga@oesj.org | (518) 568-2014 ext. 2101
Special Education
Kyle O’Brien, Director of Student Support Services
kyle.obrien@oesj.org | (518) 568-2014 ext. 103
OESJ Jr/Sr High School
Kevin Warren, Principal
kevin.warren@oesj.org | (518) 568-2011 ext. 3114
Sincerely,
Adam J. Heroth