The City School District of Albany continues to move forward with plans in place for both in-person and virtual instructional models for students.
We are aware that the continuing high levels of COVID-19 cases in our region and nationwide are causing anxiety. As we approach next week’s Thanksgiving recess, we are reminding our entire school community that, should this information change based on guidance from the governor’s office or the Albany County Department of Health, we will notify you as soon as possible.
At the Board of Education meeting Thursday evening, Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams provided an overview of the decision-making process school districts will follow regarding a potential transition to virtual learning for all students should the district be in one of the New York State Micro-Cluster Zones.
Albany is in the Tier 1 geographic area. The chart from Thursday’s meeting outlines the criteria for a geographic area to be placed in a micro-cluster zone. The next step is that once the state declares a geographic area as a specific zone, procedures regarding testing must be implemented.
As a district, we are working with our Student Support Services Department, school nurses and medical director to finalize a plan to implement the required testing if the statistics push our area into a “yellow/precautionary” zone. We will share the details of that plan next week.
As it stands at the end of the day Friday, we are scheduled to continue our instructional program in the current model, which includes in-person options for prekindergarten-grade 6 and students with disabilities in grades 7-12. In addition, we are continuing with our Phase 2 integration of on-site small groups for our secondary students who need additional support (via appointment), CTE programs, STEM/Science labs, music and art.
“While we have been proactive this week in sending instructional materials and supplies home with our in-person students, it is the expectation that we will continue in our current instructional model next week and when we return from the Thanksgiving recess,” Adams said.
Monday and Tuesday are regularly scheduled days of school. Wednesday remains our fall parent-teacher conference day, with no school for students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s principal.
Please also continue to watch and all of our district communication channels for the most current, accurate updates and information as we move forward. We are monitoring the COVID-19 data closely on a daily basis and we are committed to keeping you informed with the most accurate, up-to-date information. If there are any changes to our district plans, we will make sure to notify you.
Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility and support as we move through these uncertain times together with the best interests and well-being of all of our students and employees first and foremost in our minds.
