Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year
Reopening Plan and Guidance
Please see the COVID Corner for up to date information as guidance and district protocols have changed.
Information below is from July 24, 2021
The Shenendehowa Central School District is planning for a full return to school in September, providing strong academics and an array of extracurricular and athletic offerings. The district will employ a tiered mitigation approach, including components ranging from face masking and physical distancing, to facilities cleaning and hygiene, to contact tracing and quarantining, to HVAC (ventilation) and the provision of food services, to surveillance testing and vaccination access. COVID-19 and its variants are still a high-risk virus, particularly to people who aren’t vaccinated. And, asymptomatic spread makes this virus stealthy. As a public institution, we absorb the risk-level of everyone in the community. We can individually do our part to keep all of us well and positively impact the future. Click here to read the full Reopening Plan for 2021-2022.
The intent of the tiered approach is to find and maintain a balance between prioritizing health and safety of students and staff, and supporting the social, emotional, mental health of students and staff. This tiered mitigation strategy is fluid, reviewed consistently to ensure the stated objectives are being met. Zones will be updated on a weekly basis and will be posted on the special alert banner of the district’s homepage.
Welcome Message from Dr. Robinson
Complete Virtual Learning (CVL) Information & Resources
While the Shenendehowa Central School District plans for a full return to school in September, we understand that a Completely Virtual Learning (CVL) option, prioritizing students who are immunocompromised and/or have direct family members in the household who are immunocompromised, as well as for other pertinent, documented COVID related medical reasons. The CVL option will look at the needs of students across the entire district and provide district-wide provisions, versus building-based provisions. Click here to read the full Reopening Plan, CVL for 2021-2022.
Interested in having your student return to full in-person learning from CVL instruction? Please complete this form and the Office of Student Learning and Data Accountability will get back to you.
If you are still interested in enrolling your child in Completely Virtual Learning (CVL) for the 2021-22 school year for medical reasons, please contact your school’s building Principal.
In Person Learning: ABCD Schedules Gr. 6-12
Food Services
- Great News! USDA has extended the Free Meals for Kids Waiver! We will be offering FREE meals to all students in our district throughout the entire 2021-22 school year.
- If you are Complete Virtual Learning (CVL) and need access to school provided breakfast or lunch please call the Food Service Office at 518-881-0630 to set up a pickup time to get meals.
- If you think you might qualify for free or reduced meals, please fill out a free and reduced application as soon as possible: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YaUeNBD3nDePwaoNJQ05xridCca8-NHJUZXgOqFD-iQ/view
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the hybrid model continue for middle and high schools?
A: No, students will be in school everyday, for a full complement of the school schedule
Q: Will the District use CDC definitions of “high-risk” individuals to determine CVL eligibility? How will the district protect the privacy of medical documentation?
A: Yes. Although the New York State Education Department does not require a virtual option, CVL will be provided for students who are immunocompromised or have direct family members in the household, for documented medical reasons. The District has a legal obligation to protect/safeguard any personally identifying information and keep any medical or health information confidential. The School District Chief Medical Officer will review any documents that may need clarification and consult with an individual student’s physician directly if necessary.
Q: Are we returning to normal school hours?
A: Yes. School schedules are posted here: https://www.shenet.org/about-us/school-schedules/
Q: Will masks be optional or mandated? If mandated, will it be a universal mandate, regardless of vaccination status? How will the district enforce a mandate?
A: A tiered mitigation approach will be implemented based on transmission rate. Please keep in mind that a NYS mandate from the Governor’s Office or NYS Department of Health will supercede our tiered mitigation approach.
Q: Will students be seated 3 feet apart in all classrooms?
A: Students will be seated 3 feet apart, where feasible. As previously noted, a tiered mitigation approach is being taken so where students cannot sit 3 feet apart, including in secondary courses with higher enrollments, students will be required to wear masks (if a mask mandate is not already in place from NYS.)
Q: Will self-certification health/travel questions be in place again?
A: At this point, no. Those are state or federal mandates. The district will follow accordingly.
Q: Will there be social distancing on buses?
A: All will be required to wear masks all the time. Students will be separated as much as feasible. Seating charts will be used for contact tracing. Depending on how many parents drive their children to school, buses are likely to be more full than last year.
Q: With secondary students attending school every day and the potential for more parents driving students, there will be more traffic on campus this year. Are there plans to address this?
A: At the high school, implementation of the updated block schedule offers a longer window for student drop off. Elementary and middle school principals will communicate with families where extended drop off times will be provided, once the need has been evaluated. Traffic patterns will be monitored throughout September as routines are established.
Q: What is the plan for limiting hallway congestion at the middle and high school?
A: Mitigation plans will be initiated as needed, based on transmission rates, such as one directional transitioning.
Q: Are staff going to be encouraged to keep open air flow in classrooms (windows, doors open)?
A: Yes, ventilation and airflow is still a major priority. A tremendous amount of time and resources has been invested in HVAC capacity.
Q: Where will students eat? Will there be a 6ft social distance while eating with masks off, since that is a high risk activity indoors?
A: The answer to this question will be based on transmission rates. 3 feet social distance is the standard. Students will have masks on when not eating (chewing or drinking). See the tiered mitigation plan for more details.
Q: What resources are available to students to address the social emotional concerns that may arise?
A: Health and welfare is a priority. School counselors and nurses stand ready to be a resource to students and families. Additionally, the district has ongoing relationships with outside agencies to lend support. The Office of Human Resources also has an array of support for employees via the EAP program.
Q: How will exposure and new positive cases be handled? Will there be district-wide emails like last year?
A: Contact tracing and communications will continue like last year. Quarantine will be determined by Saratoga DOH specialists working in conjunction with school district personnel. If students are wearing a mask, not only is it a proven prevention, but it also minimizes the likelihood of being quarantined.
Q: Will there be random and/or volunteer testing to prevent outbreaks?
A: Yes, based on transmission rates pool testing, requiring parental and employee consent, will be made available. See the tiered mitigation plan for more details.
Q: What is the protocol for COVID-related student absences? Is remote instruction an option?
A: Consideration will be given to quarantined students. COVID illness will be handled in a similar manner as other illnesses. Anyone who is feeling ill, student or employee, should stay home and consult with a medical professional as necessary.
