Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Information

Because the situation involving the coronavirus is constantly changing, we have created this online webpage which will contain the most current information.  Below is the text of updates forwarded to parents, as well as documents and websites you may find helpful.  Click here for Frequently Asked Questions (posted on 4.1.2020)

We are posting updates with the most current items at the top of the page for your convenience.

May 29, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

While our buildings are closed, remote learning continues, and year-end activities are moving forward by video conferencing.  These events are by Zoom invitation, the codes of which will be shared with you by your principals.  Our revised schedule is as follows:

            Tuesday, June 2, 2020            Athletic Banquet, 6:00 p.m.

            Wednesday, June 3, 2020       Senior Athlete Recognition – lighting of scoreboard

and drive-thru, 8:20 p.m.

            Thursday, June 4, 2020           Middle School Honor Society Induction Ceremony,

7:00 p.m.

            Friday, June 5, 2020               TJC Career Day (rescheduled from June 23)

            Thursday, June 11, 2020         High School Art School, 7:00 p.m. (rescheduled from

May 27, 2020)

Tuesday, June 16, 2020          Fifth-grade Moving-Up Day (rescheduled from June 24), 10:30 a.m.

            Tuesday, June 16, 2020        Last day of school for students

Wednesday, June 17, 2020   Last day of school for teachers

            Thursday, June 25, 2020         Senior Recognition, 7:00 p.m.

            Sunday, June 28, 2020            Graduation Ceremony – Seniors and Immediate

Families, 2:00 p.m.

Fifth-grade moving up day.  On Tuesday, June 16, the TJC community will hold a symbolic fifth-grade moving up day car procession.  Each fifth-grade student will be allowed one car for his/her family members.  The group will meet in the back parking lot of T. J. Connor at 10:30 a.m., proceed to the front of the building to receive a bag of special items, and then drive over to the front bus loop at the middle/high school.  In addition, the counseling staff at both buildings are creating a video for fifth graders to get answers from current middle school students in terms of “frequently asked questions.”

Senior Graduation.  After much planning and survey input from our seniors and their families, the following graduation event has been organized for our seniors:

By appointment, seniors will come into the auditorium to walk the stage and receive their diploma wearing their caps and gowns during the week of June 17.  Parents are welcome to come and take pictures.  Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES staff will take graduation photographs and video footage for use in a graduation video.  All participants will come to school with mask on, and will remove the mask for the photograph.

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, seniors and their immediate families will each be assigned a location within the stadium parking lot to attend a live graduation ceremony following CDC guidelines.  All guests will remain in their cars during the ceremony.  Guests of honor and student speakers will each have an opportunity to present.  The “drive-in” style ceremony will be video recorded and combined with the video footage of the cap and gown experience, along with student speakers.  The production, in its entirety, will be televised via WHAM/Fox.  The airing date/time will be shared when confirmed.  A radio transmitter will be used to transmit the ceremony to car radios.  An outdoor screen will be used to display the senior PowerPoint slides as typically occurs.

I am sharing this week’s Electronic Newsletter, with references to resource materials that you may find helpful and articles about the creative things that occur each and every day in this District.  You will also find further information on our absentee ballot process.  Click here to read the Electronic Newsletter. 

Take care and enjoy your weekend.

May 22, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

I hope that you are enjoying the wonderful weather and are planning to rest and relax on Memorial Day.

This week, we heard from Governor Cuomo that summer school experiences in July and August will be held remotely.  You will be hearing more from your school principals and counselors in the coming weeks about opportunities that may be available.

As we transitioned to remote learning, we are also planning for our year-end events to occur via video conferencing.  These events are by Zoom invitation, the codes of which will be shared with you by your principals.  Our revised schedule is as follows:

            Thursday, May 28, 2020         Middle School Art School, 6:30 p.m.

Middle School Awards Night, 7:00 p.m.

            Tuesday, June 2, 2020            Athletic Banquet, 6:00 p.m.

            Wednesday, June 3, 2020       Senior Athlete Recognition – lighting of scoreboard

and drive-thru, 8:20 p.m.

            Thursday, June 4, 2020           Middle School Honor Society Induction Ceremony,

7:00 p.m.

            Friday, June 5, 2020               TJC Career Day (rescheduled from June 23)

            Thursday, June 11, 2020         High School Art School, 7:00 p.m. (rescheduled from

May 27, 2020)

            Tuesday, June 16, 2020          Fifth-grade Moving-Up Day (rescheduled from

June 24), 10:30 a.m.

            Thursday, June 25, 2020         Senior Recognition, 7:00 p.m.

            Sunday, June 28, 2020            Graduation Ceremony – Seniors and

Immediate Families, 2:00 p.m.

Fifth-grade moving up day.  On Tuesday, June 16, the TJC community will hold a symbolic fifth-grade moving up day car procession.  Each fifth-grade student will be allowed one car for his/her family members.  The group will meet in the back parking lot of T. J. Connor at 10:30 a.m., proceed to the front of the building to receive a bag of special items, and then drive over to the front bus loop at the middle/high school.  In addition, the counseling staff at both buildings are creating a video for fifth graders to get answers from current middle school students in terms of “frequently asked questions.”

Senior Graduation.  After much planning and survey input from our seniors and their families, the following graduation event has been organized for our seniors:

By appointment, seniors will come into the auditorium to walk the stage and receive their diploma wearing their caps and gowns during the week of June 17.  Parents are welcome to come and take pictures.  Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES staff will take graduation photographs and video footage for use in a graduation video.  All participants will come to school with mask on, and will remove the mask for the photograph.

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, seniors and their immediate families will each be assigned a location within the stadium parking lot to attend a live graduation ceremony following CDC guidelines.  All guests will remain in their cars during the ceremony.  Guests of honor and student speakers will each have an opportunity to present.  The “drive-in” style ceremony will be video recorded and combined with the video footage of the cap and gown experience, along with student speakers.  The production, in its entirety, will be televised via WHAM/Fox.  The airing date/time will be shared when confirmed.  A radio transmitter will be used to transmit the ceremony to car radios.  An outdoor screen will be used to display the senior PowerPoint slides as typically occurs.

Adjusted End of School Year.  With remote learning continuing today, you have all engaged in remote learning rather than school breaks for a total of seven days.  Following the State Education Department guidelines for students and the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement, we are planning to adjust the calendar by seven days so that we are maintaining 180 days of instruction for students and 187 contractual days for our teachers.  For your planning purposes, we are bringing a modified calendar to our Board of Education on Tuesday, May 26, for action.  I will provide you with an update on that evening.

A brief video was created from the caravan of cars that drove through the Wheatland-Chili streets to greet our families and deliver graduation lawn signs to our seniors.  Click here to watch the video.  I would also like to thank the Wheatland-Chili Federation of Teachers who collaborated with the PTA in the purchase and delivery of the signs for our seniors.  We have a great team of adults in our District who work together to do great things for our students.

This year, with the many changes to traditions that normally occur within the school year, your students may be experiencing a sense of disappointment.  Our mental health team found a great resource that you may find helpful.  Click on this link for information on parent and teen communication and building resilience.

Please take care and enjoy the long weekend.

May 15, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

Greetings to you as another week goes by during our remote learning.  I hope that your family and you are staying healthy and finding ways to manage your many responsibilities with time to take care of yourselves.

There has been much activity this week and discussions about the gradual reopening of our Finger Lakes Region.  Beginning today, Phase #1 businesses can return with appropriate modifications for social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting.  Some of the businesses, such as retail, are only open for delivery or curbside pickup.  While recreation and education will be among the last to reopen in Phase #4, many conversations are occurring in the District about what the summer and fall may look like in our schools.  Our administrators and supervisors are reviewing guidance documents as they appear in order to begin to consider different scenarios.

With the Governor’s declaration that school will be closed for the remainder of the school year with remote learning continuing, we are busy making year-end plans.  As I shared last Friday, one important issue to address is our 2019-2020 school calendar.  It was confirmed this week that Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.4 relating to the continued use of remaining vacation or snow days is in effect.  This means that, unless an Order from the Governor adjusts this expectation, remote learning will occur on Friday, May 22.  Monday, May 25, is a national holiday and will be celebrated by all.  We will take a common-sense approach to Friday, May 22, by continuing with remote learning, but will not engage in video conferencing on this day.

With our current guidance, as of May 22, 2020 our students and teachers will have engaged in remote learning rather than school breaks for a total of seven days.  Following the State Education Department guidelines for students and the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement, it is anticipated that our calendar will be adjusted for seven days so that we are maintaining 180 days of instruction for students and 187 contractual days for our teachers.  For your planning purposes, it is our current plan to bring a modified calendar to our Board of Education on Tuesday, May 26, for action.  We will provide you with an update on that evening.

In the past, I have shared with you the events that we have been unable to hold due to our NY on Pause.  Events that are continuing by video conference:

HS Awards Night, May 20, at 7:00 p.m.

MS Awards Night, May 28, at 7:00 p.m.

Athletic Banquet, June 2, 6:00 p.m.

Our musical production staff are working with students to create a video of highlights from Sister Act featuring our student performers, their headshots taken by our art students, photographs from the experience, and much more.  Watch for more information.

We thank our seniors and their families for responding to a survey to gather their feedback on how to create a meaningful graduation experience during a time of social distancing with no social gatherings.  Look for our graduation details early next week.  I will also highlight these details in next week’s Friday message.

While our school buildings are closed, learning continues as our teachers appear virtually in your homes, and the work of the District continues.  Click here for this week’s Electronic Newsletter, with references to resource materials that you may find helpful and articles about the creative things that occur each and every day in this District.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, why not visit the San Diego Zoo?  You can watch the live cams of giraffes, elephants, koala bears, and much more by clicking on this link.  If you would like to take a quick trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, click here.  This is a reminder that our website is filled with great activities and resources for your family and for you.  You can find more virtual field trips and great activity ideas by clicking on this link.

In closing, I suggest that you give yourself a break.  Kindness is contagious.  So, start with yourself and it might just spread to others.  

Take care.

May 8, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

I hope that your families and you are well and that you are enjoying the sunshine despite the cold temperatures.  With the Governor’s declaration last week that school will be closed for the remainder of the school year with remote learning continuing, we are busy making year-end plans.  One important issue to address is our 2019-2020 school calendar.  Teachers and students continued with remote learning during the six days of the spring break, and our calendar will likely be adjusted for the same number of days so that we are maintaining 180 days of instruction for students and 187 contractual days for our teachers.  We must wait, however, until the Governor’s Executive Order on the school closure has been published to take this official step.  It is anticipated that more information will be available during the week of May 11, so that a communication can be shared with staff and parents.  I will keep you updated on any development related to the calendar for your planning purposes.

Yesterday, the Wheatland-Chili Wildcats were out in full force with a caravan of fire trucks, school buses, and cars driving through the streets and roads of the District to greet our families and deliver graduation signs to our seniors donated from the PTA. This caravan started in the Village of Scottsville and traveled through the Towns of Wheatland and Chili.  We thank our Transportation Director and those who assisted her in mapping out a route that would take this caravan of Wildcat Blue past the homes of all of our students. 

You could hear the car/truck horns and the siren of the firetrucks from street to street.  This day was filled with emotion for everyone – happy tears – as the caravan was greeted by students, parents, and grandparents who came out with their signs to wave and cheer on the group.  A warm thank you goes out to all of our spectators; to our administrators, PTA, and teacher union representatives who organized this event; to the many people who decorated their cars and participated; and to our Scottsville Fire Department who came out to raise the spirits of our community.  Well done, Wildcats!

We are creating a video from this wonderful event.  Please upload your photos and videos to http://www2.monroe2boces.org/PrintJobs/ and our videographer will assemble them into a wonderful keepsake.  We will make sure that everyone has access to the video once it is launched.

To keep you updated, our food distribution as of May 8, 2020, has reached a total of 6,634 lunches and breakfasts.  Friday, May 8, is School Lunch Hero Day.  You will notice signs on the District’s properties recognizing our School Lunch Heroes.  We thank our food service staff members and everyone involved in our food distribution operation for their tireless work to support the needs of our community.

I have one new resource to share with you today.  A new feature has been added to our COVID-19 webpage to support mental health; i.e., Wildcat Virtual Calming Room.  The Calming Room was created to help students, families, and staff explore strategies to deal with challenges they may be experiencing.  There is something for everyone in the Calming Room – from mindfulness activities and calming sounds, to exercises, yoga, coloring pages, and much more. You can visit the Calming Room by clicking here. 

Every day, someone in our organization comes up with an idea that supports learning or how to deal with the uncertainty of this pandemic.  Our District is filled with heroes – including our School Lunch Heros – who are making a difference for someone through their thoughtful acts. 

Thank you to every Wheatland-Chili hero!  Stay safe and well.

May 1, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

Today, at Governor Cuomo’s press conference, he officially closed New York State schools through the end of the school year with the continuation of remote learning.  Prior to this time, there was much speculation as to whether all schools in the state would be closed, and when.  With the certainty of this school closure brings many questions about what the end of our remote learning year will look like.  Our team at Wheatland-Chili has been planning for different scenarios over the past weeks, and we will be sharing specifics very soon.

For now, we know that the following events are cancelled:

• TJC Reading Incentive, including Author Visit and Guest Readers – May
• Honor Roll Breakfasts – May 5 and 6
• High School Spring Concert – May 6
• Middle School Spring Concert - May 13
• Junior/Senior Prom – May 16
• TJC Band/Chorus Spring Concert – May 19
• Memorial Day Parade – May 25 (cancelled by the American Legion)
• Senior Trip – June 5-7
• TJC Field Day (PTA working on some virtual activities) – June 12
• TJC 24 Challenge Tournament – June 17
• Fifth- and sixth-grade band trip to Sea Breeze – June 19
• TJC Career Day – June 23

We are planning to continue with the recognition and awards ceremonies via video conferencing and are still considering how best to proceed with events such as the HS Art Show and the musical production.  Much conversation has occurred about our upcoming graduation ceremony, and you will hear more about that in the coming weeks. 

In difficult times, people pull together in some pretty creative ways.  You are in for a treat on Thursday, May 7.  A “Caravan of Cars” will set off at 3:30 p.m. on this day in recognition of our students and families with support of our PTA and Wheatland-Chili staff.

Social distancing rules will strictly apply – students and families should not congregate.  Rather, please feel free to take pictures or videos from your lawns and windows.  We are going to create a video from this wonderful event.  Please upload your photos and videos to http://www2.monroe2boces.org/PrintJobs/ and our videographer will assemble them into a wonderful keepsake.

After the “Caravan of Cars” has finished, groups of faculty and staff will then set out to deliver lawn signs to our seniors, showing our appreciation for them and their perseverance during these unprecedented times.  These signs are free of charge and have been graciously donated through the efforts of the PTA and the Wheatland-Chili Federation of Teachers.

To keep you updated, our food distribution as of Wednesday has reached a total of 6,384 lunches and breakfasts.  Friday, May 8, is School Lunch Hero Day.  We thank our food service staff members and everyone involved in our food distribution operation for their tireless work to support the needs of our community.

If you haven’t checked out the resources on our website lately:

We have added technology resources that you may find helpful.  Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES and Monroe One Educational Services have developed extensive resources to assist teachers and parents during the time of our remote learning.  Click here to see what out BOCES partners have assembled for our use.

The Middle/High School Student Support Center staff have created a webpage for daily quotes and meditations to support our social and emotional wellbeing.  Yesterday’s message, “the greatest power is often simple patience” (E. Joseph Cossman), is a message that may resonate with many.  Click here to read messages from previous days.

Please take a minute to read the Electronic Newsletter to stay up-to-date on what is occurring during our remote learning.

Take care and stay healthy.

April 24, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

In last week’s letter, I reminded you to take care of yourselves and look for opportunities to help others and practice gratitude.  I am so grateful for the first responders and medical professionals who live within our greater community, who are on the front lines of providing support to our families in greatest need.  I also noticed that many of our staff members are making and sharing fabric masks with others.  A bag of those masks arrived for our food service, facilities, and transportation workers and were so greatly appreciated.  I hope you found something in the midst of this confusing time for which to be grateful.

There has been no further news on our school closure.  Schools and nonessential businesses will remain closed through Friday, May 15, 2020, per Executive Order of the Governor.  I shared last week that important updates to our calendar will be forthcoming.  Given our closure through May 15, 2020, and uncertainty about future travel, the following events have been cancelled:

• TJC Reading Incentive, including Author Visit and Guest Readers – May
• Honor Roll Breakfasts – May 5 and 6
• High School Spring Concert – May 6
• Middle School Spring Concert - May 13
• Junior/Senior Prom – May 16
• TJC Band/Chorus Spring Concert – May 19
• Memorial Day Parade – May 25 (cancelled by the American Legion)
• Senior Trip – June 5-7
• TJC Field Day (PTA working on some virtual activities) – June 12
• TJC 24 Challenge Tournament – June 17
• Fifth- and sixth-grade band trip to Sea Breeze – June 19
• TJC Career Day – June 23

The uncertainty of these times has not stopped the incredibly creative team of parents and staff in the District.  Our PTA purchased lawn signs for our seniors, and our PTA, teachers’ union, and staff are planning a celebratory event in the coming week.  Staff at TJC are planning an alternative to a fifth-grade moving up day, which will involve families assembling at TJC in their car and driving to the Middle/High School for a symbolic moving up. 

We are planning to continue with the recognition and awards ceremonies via video conferencing and are still considering how best to proceed with events such as the HS Art Show and the musical production.  Much conversation has occurred about our upcoming graduation ceremony, and you will hear more about that in the coming weeks. 

In the midst of this new reality for everyone, our Wheatland-Chili staff jumped into action on the first day of our closure and are doing everything they can to support our students and families – while also managing the needs of their own children and families.  For example, faculty meetings continue at TJC and the MS/HS through video conferencing.  Our MS/HS special education team is averaging 16 meetings with students each day through video conferencing, which is just over 300 meetings to date.  Our MS/HS counseling team has booked 41 appointments, and the math department has been involved in 68 video conferences and 92 video lessons in Schoology (our learning management system).  Food distribution as of Wednesday has reached a total of 4,880 lunches and breakfasts.  This is only a few of the amazing things that are happening in the District, and I will continue to highlight the efforts of our staff in upcoming weeks.    

Last week, I shared a resource with you from one of our community partners, HealthiKids, that included some great ideas to promote play, learning, physical activity, and social-emotional development for children of all ages.  Today, I share a message from Elizabeth Devaney from the Children’s Institute for our parents/guardians – “You are doing everything right.”  Elizabeth and her team from the Children’s Institute have partnered with the District for the past three years and have been instrumental in supporting our work in social and emotional learning.  I know that Mr. Windover shared this post with his Middle/High School families, and want to be sure that everyone has a chance to read these sentiments.  Click here for the blog post from Elizabeth and enjoy. 

During these days when you are balancing support for your students with the needs of your families, there may be days when you are feeling that there is just not enough time to do everything.  We encourage you to take care of yourselves in these moments.  Perhaps your children do one thing on these days – rather than three or four –  to keep connected to their learning.   Giving yourself permission to not get everything done – on every single day – is sometimes the one thing that will help you better balance your many responsibilities.

Thank you all for everything that you are doing!  We will get through this – together.

April 17, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

It’s Friday, and I’m checking in to see how everyone is doing.  It has been one month since the first case of COVID-19 in Monroe County and the closing of our schools.  Since that time, so much has happened around us.  My heart goes out to friends in our community who have been touched in some way by this illness and to our families who may be struggling due to changes in job situations.  We have a wonderful group of counselors, social workers, and psychologists in the District who are here for you – to provide resources, guidance, or just to listen.  Please remember to access this support on our District website.  Click here for information on how to get in touch with one of our mental health staff members or here for resources on topics that you may find helpful.

I shared yesterday that Governor Cuomo has extended our New York on Pause through Friday, May 15, 2020.  This means that schools and nonessential businesses will stay closed through Friday, May 15, 2020.  With this further closing of schools and our continued social distancing, the administrative staff and I will be sharing important updates to our school calendar next week.

In the midst of this new reality for everyone, our Wheatland-Chili staff jumped into action on the first day of our closure and are doing everything they can to support our students and families – while also managing the needs of their own children and families.  For example, at T. J. Connor over 500 parents are connected with Class DoJo accounts to teachers, with 450 messages and 262 photos or videos sent last week.  Our Pupil Personnel Services Office has held 51 Committee on Special Education/Committee on Preschool Special Education and 504 meetings since March 18.  This group will continue through video conferencing to hold meetings during our school closure at an average of four or five per day.  Our food distribution operation has delivered over 4,056 total breakfasts and lunches to our Wheatland-Chili community.  This is only a few of the amazing things that are happening in the District, and I will continue to highlight the efforts of our staff in upcoming updates.  Attached to this letter you will find our Electronic Newsletter.  The Newsletter will continue to be published during our time away, filled with resources that you may find useful and updates on our remote learning and operations.  Click here for the Electronic Newsletter.

Finally, caring people from across the country whose work is devoted to supporting our youth are coming together to provide ideas for parents and families of things to do and ways to engage while at home.  One of these resources is right here in Rochester, HealtiKids.  Healthi Kids is a community coalition and initiative of Common Ground Health that advocates for healthy children across the Finger Lakes region and the City of Rochester.  This group believes in the healthy development of all children and has assembled a resource that you may find interesting.  Click here for ideas that promote play, learning, physical activity, and social-emotional development for children of all ages.

Please remember to take care of yourselves.  Look for opportunities to help others and practice gratitude.  I will leave you with this thought from our partners at Coordinated Care Services:  “Try setting a time each day – in the morning when you wake up or at night before bed – to write down or share with someone, what you are grateful for that day. A gratitude practice has been shown to improve mental well-being and enhance empathy.”  With the 24/7 cycle of news, sharing the latest data on our health emergency, you may find taking a gratitude moment to be helpful.

Thank you all for everything that you are doing!  We will get through this – together.

April 16, 2020 - Update on School Closure

At Governor Cuomo’s press conference today, he extended New York on Pause through Friday, May 15, 2020.  The following is what you need to know about this extension:

• Schools and nonessential businesses will stay closed through Friday, May 15.
• Governor Cuomo issued an executive order requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public, including when taking public or private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles.
• An executive order directs employers to provide essential workers with masks free of charge to wear when interacting with the public.
• NYS will conduct antibody tests prioritizing frontline workers beginning this week.
• Governor Cuomo and several northeast state Governors announced the creation of a multi-state council to restore the economy.
• New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate blood. Here’s information on how to donate.
• New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
• New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
• Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
• Your local health departmentis your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.  

April 10, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

Greetings on a Friday afternoon.  I hope that you are doing well and are finding ways to balance your students’ schoolwork with your work and your families’ activities.  I spend much of my day on Zoom video conferences moving the work of the District forward and must admit that I enjoy the barking dogs and images of children dashing across the screen in the background.

I shared with you on Monday that Governor Cuomo announced that he extended the school closure mandate through Tuesday, April 28.  Consistent with prior Executive Orders, if this closure is not extended, schools will reopen on Wednesday, April 29.  I will keep you updated through Friday updates and will reach out to you sooner as needed.

We have a new feature on our website under the Mental Health Support Team tab.  Our team has created a way for you to share how you are doing during our school closure.  Click here to check out this new feature on our COVID-19 webpage.  You will find a separate form for TJC and the MS/HS.

I want to recognize the hard working and courageous food service workers, facilities staff, and transportation workers who have taken a leadership role in our food distribution effort that began on Wednesday, March 18.  Since March 18, we have distributed a total of 3,200 breakfasts and lunches within our community.  This group has worked together to operationalize the distribution, and they are to be applauded for their efforts!  Our entire Wheatland-Chili staff – administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, food service workers, facilities staff, and transportation workers – are proud to be doing our part to serve our community during this time.

Also, I shared on Monday that the State Education Department advised that the June Regents examinations are cancelled.  According to Shannon Tahoe, New York State Interim Commissioner of Education, “It is most important that during this time of closure, educators be able to continue to focus their efforts toward local and community needs and not have to be concerned about preparing students for State assessments.”  In order for students to meet the requirements for the high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements, the Department of Education made modifications that apply to all students in grades 7-12 who were planning on participating in one or more June 2020 Regents examinations.

Students who were planning to take a Regents examination in June 2020 are exempt from such exams.  This means that students will not be required to sit for the Regents examination if they:

• Are enrolled in a course that culminates in a Regents examination and will earn credit in (are passing) the course by the end of the 2019-2020 school year;
• Are enrolled in a course that culminates in a Regents examination and will not earn credit in (or pass) the course by the end of the 2019-2020 school year; students in this category will return for summer instruction to make up the failed course, will not be required to take the Regents examination, and will be eligible for diploma credit in August 2020; or
• Were previously enrolled in a course that culminates in a Regents examination, passed the course, have not yet passed the Regents examination, and were planning to take the Regents examination in June.

I am attaching for your reference the April 7, 2020 letter from Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe, which includes specific information about modifications to diploma requirements for students who are impacted by the cancellation of the June 2020 Regents examinations.  Click here for Interim Commissioner Tahoe's letter.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.  Please know that our Middle/High School counselors and administrative staff have reviewed this new information, and will reach out to you if needed.

Finally, in a recent discussion with Health Commissioner Mendoza, he reiterated the importance of wearing a cloth covering (mask) to protect others from ourselves where social distancing is difficult (such as the grocery store).  Universal precautions such as this won’t be natural at first.  I urge you to wear your face covering when you leave your home to be a part of the culture that establishes this new habit – to do your part during this health emergency.

I will continue to keep you updated.  Please stay safe and take care.

April 6, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

During his daily COVID-19 press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will extend the school closure mandate through Tuesday, April 28.  Consistent with prior Executive Orders, if this closure is not extended, schools will reopen on Wednesday, April 29.  I’m sharing this information for your planning purposes.

I also wanted to update you on limited work that is occurring on the District’s capital project during this closure.  We have carefully reviewed guidance from the Governor’s Office on permitted work and safeguards to be taken.  Our attorneys reviewed the projects to be completed during this time to ensure our compliance.  We also prepared and sent a letter to the contractors to be certain they are aware of the safety expectations for this limited work continuation.  Wheatland-Chili staff are not present in the areas where approved work is occurring.  Please know that each area of the school is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after work completion. 

Also, the State Education Department advised today that the June Regents examinations are cancelled.  More information will be available on this topic tomorrow.

I will continue to keep you updated.  Please stay safe and take care.

April 3, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

I hope that you are doing well and that you were able to enjoy the sunshine that appeared this week.  It’s important that we all do our part during this health emergency.  We are all realizing that staying home is not easy, but staying home is the most important way that you can do your part.  If you have to go out, remember to stay six feet away from others. 

As I shared on Tuesday, the Governor’s Executive Order on Friday, March 27, 2020, extending statewide school closures until April 15 also included a statement that districts must continue with remote learning over the Spring Recess in order to count our remote learning days toward the 180-day school count.  The following are important reminders:

Our remote learning is continuing over the Spring Recess as directed by the Governor.  Teachers will make sure that your children have resources to access during this time.  We are taking a common-sense approach to this directive with the understanding that families and teachers are doing the best they can to balance many responsibilities.  From Monday, April 6, through Monday, April 13, teachers will not be participating in Zoom calls with your children.  This will provide your families and our staff with more time to rest and catch your breath from our transition to remote learning. 

We will continue to provide free student breakfasts and lunches from Monday, April 6, through Monday, April 13.  During the week of April 6, food will be distributed on Monday and Wednesday (with multiple meals provided).  The regular distribution schedule on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will resume the week of April 13.  The times and locations remain the same and are listed on the District website.  We served 532 meals this week to our Wheatland-Chili families.  I want to personally thank our food service, facilities, and transportation staff for preparing and delivering meals, as well as thoroughly cleaning each distribution day.  You are doing a tremendous job and everyone appreciates your efforts!!

I encourage you to visit our Mental Health Resources webpage at https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3331, where you will find resources and support to help you and your family cope during these uncertain times.  Please also remember that we have online access to our counselors, psychologists, and social workers.   Visit our webpage at https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3323 to reach out to support if needed.  We are there to help.

There is so much information online and in the news.  What you hear on Tuesday can change by Wednesday, so paying attention to the most recent information is important.  The administrative team and I will do our best to keep you updated on how everything is affecting the District.  I have committed to sending updates every Friday.  When news cannot wait until Friday, you will hear from me sooner.

Finally, it continues to be important to stay home even if you feel healthy, because the virus can be spread without symptoms.  If you must go outside, be responsible and practice social distancing.

Look for the weekly update next Friday.  Please stay safe and well.

March 31, 2020 - Update on Spring Break

As I shared yesterday, the Governor’s Executive Order on Friday extending statewide school closures until April 15 also included a statement that districts must continue with remote learning over the Spring Recess in order to count our remote learning days toward the 180-day school count.  There is much discussion of this topic across New York State with the Governor’s Office and other school groups.

Unless we are advised otherwise, during the Spring Break our remote learning will continue, but in a slightly different way.  From Monday, April 6, through Monday, April 13, teachers will not be participating in Zoom calls with your children.  This will provide your families and our staff with more time to rest and catch your breath from our transition to remote learning.  Teachers will make sure that your children have resources to access.  We are taking a common-sense approach to this directive with the understanding that families and teachers are doing the best they can to balance many responsibilities.

We will continue to provide free student breakfasts and lunches from Monday, April 6, through Monday, April 13.  During the week of April 6, food will be distributed on Monday and Wednesday (with multiple meals provided).  The regular distribution schedule on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will resume the week of April 13.  The times and locations remain the same and are listed on the District website.

In addition, I encourage you to visit our Mental Health Resources webpage at https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3331, where you will find resources and support to help you and your family cope during these uncertain times.

It continues to be important to stay home even if you feel healthy, because the virus can be spread without symptoms.  If you must go outside, please be responsible and practice social distancing.

Look for the weekly update on Friday.  Please stay safe and well.

March 30, 2020 - Update on Spring Break

The Governor’s Executive Order on Friday extending statewide school closures until April 15 also included a statement that districts must continue with remote learning over the Spring Recess in order to count our remote learning days toward the 180-day school count.  There is much discussion of this topic across New York State with the Governor’s Office and other school groups.

This will likely get some media attention, and I wanted you to be informed.  I will update you immediately if there is a change. 

I hope you had a pleasant day.  Take care.

March 27, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

I am writing to provide you with an update, and to check in on you.  I am appreciative and thankful for this community, that has banded together to support one another during this time which is like no other in our recent history.  I know that many of our parents are teachers – and many of our Wheatland-Chili teachers are parents – and it is challenging to figure out how to manage the needs of your “classroom children” and your own children.  Entire families – parents and children – are trying to use the Internet connection in your homes to work and learn.  Everyone is figuring out how to work, learn, teach, and live in different ways.  My personal advice is to be kind to yourself.  Give yourself permission to rest when you need to and to try new things without fear of failure.  If your video, Zoom call, or lesson didn’t work out quite as you thought, tomorrow is a new day.

I am hearing about amazing things that are occurring in our remote classrooms and in our community.  Teachers are using Class DoJo, Schoology, Office 365, and Zoom to provide learning experiences for students.  Students can find their teachers, not in the classrooms but at home, ready to assist in any way possible. 

Today, Governor Cuomo directed all schools to be closed for two additional weeks with a return date to school of Wednesday, April 15, 2020.  I will continue to keep you updated on the status of our closure.

The following are important updates:

Food Distribution:  Our food distribution is supporting the nourishment of our community, with our food service workers preparing and distributing food on our campus and our transportation staff making deliveries to four areas within the community.  As of Thursday of this week, we had prepared and delivered 457 breakfasts and 511 lunches over a seven-day period.  We thank our staff for their time and efforts!

Please note that our food distribution will change to a Monday – Wednesday – Friday delivery beginning Monday, March 30, 2020, to help reduce social interaction for our food service and transportation staff.  The food distribution schedule remains unchanged at this time:

Robert Quigley Drive (at the Club House) at 11:00 a.m.

Ballantyne Road in the Park near ARC of Monroe at 11:30 a.m.

Nathaniel Drive at the rear of the drive at 12:00 p.m.

Bowerman Road Apartments at 12:30 p.m.  

Look for the Wheatland-Chili small school bus for the delivery.  As always, you are able to pick up your breakfasts and lunches at the Middle/High School in the back of the school near the soccer stadium, Monday – Wednesday – Friday, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Follow the coned areas when you arrive.  Please let us know if you are in dire need of a food delivery to your home by calling 585.889.6247.  Food service will continue during the Easter Break on Monday and Wednesday.

Mental Health/Counseling Support.  Our mental health staff worked hard to assemble resources to support our children and families during their time away.  If your family is struggling with an issue, please contact one of our counselors, social workers, or psychologists.  See our website for contact information at:  https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3323.

We have also created a webpage with all of our mental health resources and guidance for self-care as well as strategies for talking about COVID-19 honestly and effectively with young people.  You can access the webpage at:  https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3331.

Desk Distribution.  As of today, we have distributed 80 sets of desks/chairs to our families.  If you are looking for a flat surface where your children can work during this health emergency, we can help.  With the purchase of new desks for T. J. Connor this year, we have excessed (through Board of Education action) previously used desks and chairs.  We have attempted to sell the desks in online auction sites and worked with agencies to arrange donations.  We do still have desks for donation to families.  Call us at 585.889.6247 if you have a need, and we will make arrangements for a pickup.

In closing, please know that your Wheatland-Chili team is thinking of you and doing what we can do to help you through this school closure.  If there is a need that we have not thought about or addressed, please call me at 585.889.6247, and we will find the best way to support you.

Take care.

March 20, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

As promised, I am checking in with you on Friday to provide updated information on our school closing for your planning.  You likely saw in the news that Governor Cuomo signed an executive order directing all schools to be closed for at least two weeks beginning Wednesday, March 18 through Wednesday, April 1.  This means that Wheatland-Chili will remain closed to students until this time.  I will keep you updated on the status of our closure.

I also want to take the opportunity to extend my own appreciation for our students, faculty, staff, families, and school community.  Wheatland-Chili is a learning community that pulls together when we need to, and this is so apparent in these unprecedented times.  I encourage you to take time for yourselves and find a balance between working at home and your family that helps you stay energized.

Please remember to check the District website for important updates on COVID-19 at https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3258.  On the website you will find information on childcare support for emergency responders, food distribution, Monroe County library system hot spot availability (Update: Due to MCLS closure this resource is not available at this time), MiFi setup instructions, managing stress, and our mental health support team.  Please visit the site often as we update it regularly with new resources.

In addition to District telephone numbers and email addresses, the following telephone numbers have been added to assist our team in responding to critical concerns:

Dan Murray, TJC Principal – 585.208.1220

Eric Windover, MS/HS Principal – 585.208.2178

Deb Leh, Superintendent – 585.208.1111

Please call during office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or text anytime.  We ask that you include your name in the text line to assist us in responding.

Finally, our food distribution has been expanded to include deliveries (Monday through Friday) as follows:

• Robert Quigley Drive (at the Club House) at 11:00 a.m.
• Ballantyne Road in the Park near ARC of Monroe at 11:30 a.m.
• Nathaniel Drive at the rear of the drive at 12:00 p.m.
• Bowerman Road Apartments at 12:30 p.m.  

Look for the Wheatland-Chili small school bus for the delivery.  As always, you are able to pick up your breakfasts and lunches at the Middle/High School in the back of the school near the soccer stadium, Monday through Friday between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

In closing, I am sharing the Electronic Newsletter that was designed and ready to be delivered on Friday, March 13.  Take a minute to read and enjoy the many accomplishments of our staff and students.  Click here for the Newsletter.

Please stay home and stay healthy during this time.  I will provide an update next Friday, or sooner if information becomes available.

March 19, 2020 _ Link to Coronavirus Information from Harvard University

March 15, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

As you are seeing in the news, the situation with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly changing.  Please remember that our school closure is occurring out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. 

Mr. Windover and Dr. Murray will continue to share specific information with you about details relating to T. J. Connor and the Middle/High School. Shared below are our plans for remote instruction, cleaning efforts in the school, and the availability of breakfast and lunch as needed.  

Tomorrow, Monday, March 16, our teachers are engaging in a conference day to complete final preparations for our remote learning.  Our administrators and teachers have been working together over the past week to assemble online and print resources that we currently use in instruction for student access as we transition to remote instruction and learning.  Many teachers will continue to use resources such as Class DoJo, Schoology, Office 365, and Remind in their instruction.  Your individual teachers will be in contact with you via email and other means to share specifics of how learning will continue for your student(s).

Our facilities staff in the District have continued their cleaning efforts, using materials and supplies that meet CDC guidelines.  They will again thoroughly clean our facilities upon the departure of staff.

The District has a strong commitment to keeping every child healthy and safe during the school closure.  To that end, we are making arrangements for food distribution of cold breakfasts and cold lunches.  Some items will be intended to be heated, and others may be items such as sandwiches to be eaten cold. 

We are planning a “grab and go” food distribution for all students that will begin on Wednesday, March 18, and continue through the school closure – Monday through Friday – between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.   Food will be distributed in the back of the Middle/High School in the parking lot by the soccer stadium.  Follow the coned areas when you arrive.

Please take a moment to respond to a survey so that we are prepared for the approximate number of breakfasts and lunches that will be needed.  You can click on this link for the survey, or visit our website at www.wheatland.k12.ny.us.

We will continue to keep you informed and supported as the situation with the COVID-19 evolves through email and our website at:  https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3258.  You can also continue to reach out to our staff via email.  All staff members have an email that is firstname_lastname@wheatland.k12.ny.us. Our staff are working to support your families and you in the most creative ways possible. 

We are a strong community that works together to support our families and students.  This is not a time for fear or panic. This is a time to help and care for one another. Things are going to be different for a while, but I have no doubt we’ll get through this.

March 14, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent  

As we have seen over the past weeks, the situation with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly changing.  This morning the County Executive declared a State of Emergency in Monroe County, an important regulatory step that permits schools to close without the need to make up days toward the 180 days of school. 

Information of a second confirmed case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Monroe County was also shared this morning.  Superintendents have been in consultation with County Executive Bello and Health Commissioner Mendoza about how best to proceed.  All Monroe County Public Schools will be closed to students beginning Monday, March 16.  All staff in Wheatland-Chili will report on Monday, March 16, and will engage in a full-day conference day to complete preparations for remote instruction. 

The District will be closed effective Tuesday, March 17, until further notice for all students and staff, with the exception of essential personnel.  This closing includes all school-related activities including sports and other extracurricular activities.  More information will follow on the postponed date for the musical, Sister Act.  The situation will be reviewed on a week-by-week basis.  It is my plan to provide parents and staff with updates to occur mid-day on Friday of each week to assist with your planning.

I will provide further information tomorrow (Sunday, March 15) on our plans for remote instruction, cleaning efforts in the school, and the availability of breakfast and lunch as needed.  We will continue to keep you informed and supported as the situation with the COVID-19 evolves through email and our website at:  https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Page/3258.  I am also attaching another resource that you may find helpful in talking with your children.

Please remember that this is occurring out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing.  Our staff are working to support your families and you in the most creative ways possible.

Update on March 13, 2020 - Note from the Superintendent:

Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the challenges of this current public health situation.  We are all working to navigate unknown situations at work, at school, and at home.  Please know that the health and safety of our students, staff, and school community will continue to be the priority in all decisions.

As we have shared from the onset, please refer to the District web page (COVID-19) to remain current on all of the latest information, additional resources, and recommendations for preventive measures. Being informed and continuing to practice/model proper personal hygiene etiquette remain the best defense that we have.

At the time of this communication, there is still one confirmed case of travel-related COVID-19 in Monroe County; and fortunately, there are no confirmed cases in any Monroe County School districts.  Nevertheless, being prepared is still critically important and prudent for our learning community should the decision be made to close.  Any decision to close would be on the recommendation of the Monroe County Health Department.  The Monroe County Health Department will notify schools if a school must close due to COVID-19 and when a school can reopen.  If a student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case, the New York State Health Department requires an initial 24-hour closure to begin an investigation to determine the contact that the individual may have had within the school environment.  That investigation will inform the plan determined by the Monroe County Health Department as to any further required closure or precautions.

The following is occurring in the District to prepare:

• We are reviewing all upcoming large events, activities, and trips. The Commissioner of Health has recommended that there be no social gatherings of more than 50 people in small spaces.  After careful consideration of this recommendation, our performance of Sister Act will occur with live streaming/recording for tickets holders without full audience participation.  The live streaming will occur on Thursday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m.  We do plan to hold another performance on Friday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. to permit family members of the Sister Act company of students to physically see the performance in smaller groups in our auditorium.  The recording will be available to view through midnight on Saturday, March 21, 2020, for ticket holders.  We apologize for the disappointment that this causes.  Information about these details and ticket refunds will be communicated on our website.  Individual emails will be sent to ticket holders.

• Our leadership team met this week to review our continuity of operations plan that is a part of our School Safety Plan. We are planning for communications, as well as essential tasks of the facilities, food service, and business office operations.  In the event of a long-term scenario (two to six weeks, for instance), teachers will work from home to the extent possible using systems that we have in place.  Teachers at each grade level and content area are working on options in providing remote instruction for our students if the need arises. 

Earlier this morning, the president of the Monroe County Council of Superintendents held a press conference on behalf of all area school districts, which shared that all districts countywide continue to work with the Department of Health and the State Education Department as we evaluate all scenarios in which we might need to close schools. While there are no definitive plans to close at this time, we recommend that our families begin preparing for childcare in case closures become a reality.

As a District, we are a member of the Consortium on Trauma, Illness and Grief (TIG).  I am attaching a resource that you might find helpful in talking with your student about infectious diseases similar to COVID-19. 

Thank you for your continued support and patience during this challenging time. I am confident our community will get through this by working together.

Update on March 13, 2020 - Level 2 Flyer (Text is below graphics and PDF of flyer is  in Related Files)

Text of the Level 2 Flyer:

Dear Wheatland-Chili Families:

The Wheatland-Chili Central School District and all Monroe County Schools continue to actively monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) with guidance from the New York State and Monroe County Departments of Health. The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance and we will act out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing.

According to the New York State Department of Health, New Yorkers still have a low risk of contracting COVID-19. Wheatland-Chili Central School District is currently operating at a LEVEL 2 as detailed in the accompanying chart.

This is a rapidly changing situation. We know that COVID-19 is spreading and we have been told to expect to see cases in Monroe County. School districts have been advised to prepare for COVID-19 and monitor illness among students and staff. We recommend you make a plan for childcare now should schools need to be closed for an extended period in the future.

Preventing the spread of illness is a community responsibility and we encourage you and your children to practice the following healthy habits:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow.

• Stay home when sick and seek medical attention when necessary.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as counters, phones, door knobs and light switches.

As recommended by the New York State Department of Health, schools are taking additional precautions now to mitigate illness transmissions. If students or staff develop symptoms that include fever and cough during the day they will be isolated from others and will be triaged according to established protocols. We have also stepped up routine cleaning procedures in classrooms, on buses, and in bathrooms.

In situations like these, rumors may cause unnecessary reactions and panic. Therefore, we encourage you to get information from credible sources. The New York State Department of Health has established a webpage with updates, key messages, frequently asked questions, travel advisories and more at: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/. Please access the District website for important updates at https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Domain/555.

Together, we can work to maintain a healthy learning environment.

LEVEL 1
(No Cases in Monroe County)

• More frequently clean common areas including countertops, door hardware, bus seats, etc.

• Communicate online and to campuses the precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19

• Continue to monitor attendance and communicate with Monroe County Department of Health

• Communicate to families/staff to stay home if sick

• Monitor illness among students and staff

• Review and update emergency plans

• Begin bi-weekly departmental briefings for communication updates

• Potentially limit all unnecessary travel

• Potentially limit large gatherings to only essential events or consider postponing essential events

LEVEL 2
(Cases identified in Monroe County)

• Ramp up cleaning efforts to expand to cleaning less frequently used areas in addition to common areas

• Potentially limit/restrict outside visitors and guests

• Develop contingency plans and review business continuation plan

• Continue all Level 1 activities

LEVEL 3
(Confirmed Cases among students/staff)

• Affected school(s) will close for 24-hours while the local department of health investigates and sets forth a plan for further precautionary measures that the school must take to limit exposure, which may include additional closure

• Potentially cancel all district events (athletics, fine arts, etc.)

• In the event of extended campus closures, communicate to families about schoolwork accommodations and access points for supports such as supplemental food and supplies

• Communicate to staff about which staff members are to report in order to maintain services and which can work from home

• Perform a deep clean of all areas

Update on March 7, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent

Media coverage about the spread of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus in different parts of the country has increased in recent days.  There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Monroe County.

We are closely watching this situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Monroe County Department of Health, and the New York State Education Department.  Today, I attended a briefing on this subject with other Monroe County Superintendents and staff with Monroe County Commissioner of Health Dr. Michael Mendoza and County Executive Adam Bello. 

Because this situation is constantly changing, we have created an online webpage which will contain the most current information at:  https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Domain/555.

In the District, we have infectious disease protocols in place and have been taking steps, such as cleaning and disinfecting throughout classrooms, offices and common areas, to minimize the spread of illness.

If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms listed below, we will follow the NYS Department of Health guidelines in managing the illness.

These symptoms include:

• Mild to severe respiratory illness
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you or a family member begin showing any of these symptoms and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice.

There are a number of steps you and your children can take to reduce the spread of illness, including COVID-19, according to the State Department of Health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Wheatland-Chili will work with the local health department to take appropriate steps as advised.

For more information:

• NYS Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
• Monroe County Department of Health: 585-753-2991
• https://www.wheatland.k12.ny.us/Domain/555

Please know that, as always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.

Update on February 5, 2020 - Message from the Superintendent:

In addition to the current cold and flu season, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus (2019-nCov).  

According to the Monroe County Department of Public Health, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCov to the U.S. and to our area is considered to be low at this time. There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Monroe County.

The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For more information on prevention, go to the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm

For updates from the CDC go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

As a reminder, please keep your child home from school if they are feeling sick. Symptoms of influenza can vary, but generally include a high fever, headache, chills, body aches, sore throat, and cough.

The District is working closely with our school physician.  Noted below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist your family. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s principal or the school nurse.