New COVID case; schedule change for 7th and 8th grade

The following email was sent to parents and guardians early Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 2020:

Dear parents/guardians,

The district learned on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 10 that a student at Schoharie Jr./Sr. High School has tested positive for COVID-19.

This student’s last day in school was Monday, Dec. 7. Contact tracing is underway and quarantine orders are now being communicated directly to those staff and students who are impacted. Classes for students in 7th and 8th grade only will be remote on Friday, Dec. 11. This will allow time to ensure contact tracing is completed and staffing needs are met. The district is working with the Schoharie County Department of Health.

The elementary school, grade 6 and grades 9 through 12 will continue current schedules on Friday, Dec. 11.

Elementary

  • Pre-k through grade 5: In-person, please follow the current schedule

Jr./Sr. High School

  • Grade 6: In-person, please follow your current schedule
  • Grades 7 and 8: Remote, please have your student login via Google Meet and follow their schedule
  • Grades 9 through 12: Please follow your current schedule

Please note that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive or who is presumed to be positive. 

Since the start of the school year, the district has been thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all portions of our school building that are in use by students and staff, in accordance with guidance from the New York State Department of Health and the CDC. For details about our cleaning procedures, COVID prevention policies, contact tracing, testing and more, please see our Reopening Plan. In addition, a COVID screening is done for all students and staff members prior to the start of the school day.

Please contact your child’s principal if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures. We will release more information about this situation as it becomes available.

Any additional questions, including information about contact tracing and testing procedures, can be directed to the Schoharie County Health Department (518) 295-8365.

Sincerely,

David Blanchard