Dear DCS Community Member:
Today, the district was informed of a positive test for COVID-19 for a student of the Duanesburg Jr./Sr. High School. The student was only in the building on Tuesday this week.
We have been working with the Schenectady County Department of Public Health to help officials implement their contact tracing protocols. If you or your child has been in close contact with this individual, you will be notified by the public health department. If you are not contacted, then you and/or your child have not been in contact with the individual who tested positive. The public health department will advise on the need to quarantine, if necessary, and to arrange testing of those potentially exposed.
Because several staff members will be quarantined, the Jr/Sr. High School will transition to remote learning on Monday, Nov. 23 and Tuesday, Nov. 24. The Elementary School will not be impacted and will be open for in-person learning. Nov. 25-27 will be Thanksgiving Break.
The district is implementing deep cleaning and disinfection of any potentially impacted areas, above and beyond our established protocols, in accordance with CDC and DOH guidelines. We will continue to work closely with them and follow guidance from all public health agencies on maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment. If students are told to quarantine by the public health department beyond our scheduled return date, they should participate in classes remotely.
This notification is part of our commitment to keep you informed. However, please know that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other privacy laws restrict district officials from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. Therefore, we cannot identify by name anyone who has tested positive. The student who tested positive is in quarantine for the recommended time and will not return to school until cleared by the Department of Health. We will continue to work closely with our local Departments of Health and we will follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
We cannot emphasize enough that we must all remain vigilant and follow the guidelines outside of school, this includes limiting group gatherings, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks and following social distance guidelines.
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.
I appreciate your patience and understanding of the situation. If you have particular questions or concerns, please contact my office.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Niedermeier
Superintendent of Schools