Dear DCS families:
The Duanesburg Central School District was recently informed that a student in the High School and two students in the elementary school have tested positive for COVID-19. However, based on when the individuals were last in school, Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS) has indicated that there is no need for contact tracing from the school setting or for any other member of the school community to quarantine. The high school student was last in the building on Dec. 3, and the elementary students were last in the building on Dec. 4. SCPHS has advised us that no one on campus is at risk in connection with these positive cases.
Please note that this is a new case. All members of the school community who have been asked to quarantine by public health in connection to previous cases should still follow those instructions.
The Jr/Sr High School will remain fully remote through Dec. 23. DCS will be closed for holiday recess from Dec. 24 to Jan. 3. In-person instruction will resume on Jan. 4.
While I fully understand you would like additional details, we are not permitted by privacy laws to identify the individual involved. We have provided as much information as possible. The individuals who tested positive are in quarantine for the recommended time and will not return to school until cleared by Schenectady County Public Health Services.
We again remind you that we are following all of the necessary health and safety precautions outlined in our reopening plan, including mask-wearing, social distancing and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting. We will continue to work in close partnership with our public health partners.
Please continue to maintain personal awareness of COVID symptoms. Visit our website or contact your child’s school principal directly if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures.
In these challenging times, rest assured that the district’s priority is protecting the health, welfare, and safety of students and staff while complying with state education and department of health guidance related to the opening of schools. Please know that we are here for all of you and our students, and we remain committed to taking all necessary health and safety precautions as we navigate this situation as a community. We appreciate your support, cooperation and partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Niedermeier
Superintendent of Schools