Dear Families:
We begin by welcoming in the year 2022! We hope that you had a safe, healthy, restful and relaxing holiday break. We also hope that you were able to enjoy some time with your loved ones. Please take time to cherish those precious moments spent with family and close friends.
We know that this new year begins with continued uncertainties about the pandemic, as well as the guidance provided to school districts for navigating COVID-19 and the ongoing practices and procedures we have in place.
Last week, we worked with the New York State Health and Education departments, the Albany County Health Department and Capital Region BOCES to develop our COVID-19 test kit distribution plan. We would like to extend a sincere expression of gratitude to our administrators, support staff, faculty, volunteers and families.
On Friday, the state delivered approximately 8,850 test kits to our district for our students. We then worked with our Cabinet leaders, Communications Department, Maintenance and Operations Department, Pupil Personnel Services Department, school nurses, district medical director, safety and security team, administrative assistants, faculty, community and student volunteers, and the Albany Police Department to organize and facilitate the initial distribution of our test kits in a successful manner Sunday at Harriet Gibbons Student Services Center.
This was truly a team effort, and we express a heartfelt thank you to all who participated in this process.
We also thank our families for their patience and cooperation as they braved the cold, wet weather patiently to ensure that our test kits were distributed in an orderly process. Our collaborative efforts are an illustration of how together we are all in for Albany.
Beginning Tuesday, additional test kits will be distributed throughout this week at the school level to those families that were unable to pick up a kit at Harriet Gibbons on Sunday. Please visit your school's page for more information about when you can pick up a test kit this week.
As we return to in-person learning, we are watching the status of positive COVID-19 cases in our state, county and district. We will monitor the data and keep families informed regarding the need to transition to distance learning if that arises.
In addition, our district will remain vigilant regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols as we continue to wear masks, practice hand hygiene and encourage vaccinations for those 5 years and older who are eligible and able. We ask that our families, faculty and staff continue to work collaboratively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as we embark on 2022.
Thank you, and together we are All in for Albany! Let’s have a healthy and safe new year.
Yours in education,
Kaweeda G. Adams
Superintendent
