NYS Travel Guidelines have been updated since this was sent to families. View the New NYS Travel Guidelines.
Please see the important update from Superintendent, Dr. Marie Wiles:
Dear GCSD Families,
Through our recent Thoughtexchange, many of you have shared how much you value and appreciate having your children in school. As we get closer to the winter months and the need to spend more time indoors, please remember how important it is to keep one another safe while we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of school activities, especially over the holidays, can affect our school year for the many who need it. I want to call your attention to two critical updates concerning COVID-19 testing and travel outside New York State.
Return to School Protocols Updated – COVID-19 Information
The New York State Department of Health and Albany County Department of Health recently released updated guidance regarding students and staff members returning to school after exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. A student or staff member must now have a negative laboratory-based PCR test to return to school. The district will no longer accept a negative result from a rapid or point of care COVID test. It is important that in the event you need a COVID-19 test, that you are aware of this. Read the updated return-to-school protocols.
Updates to NYS Travel Guidelines
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo updated travel restrictions for those coming into and leaving New York State. In short, the 14-day quarantine requirement remains the same for non-contiguous (bordering) states; however, there is now an option to “test-out” of the 14-day quarantine period early. Read more about the updated NYS travel guidelines.
Thank you again for your work and support in keeping our schools open. As a reminder, there is no school tomorrow. I encourage you to take time to honor our veterans.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marie Wiles
Superintendent of Schools