A message from Dr. Wiles:
Dear Guilderland CSD Families,
We recently learned that six Guilderland Central School District teachers were accepted into the New York State Master Teacher Program: Deborah Boyce (GHS), Max Corbett (GHS), Stacy DiMura (FMS), Jared Foro (GHS) Ashley Girard (FMS) and Alicia McTiernan (GHS). It is an incredible honor to have GCSD teachers recognized for their efforts and talents. You can read more about the NYS Master Teacher Program and how it celebrates outstanding teachers on the district website.
This week’s update from the governor
This week, Governor Hochul lifted the indoor mask mandate for businesses in New York state, however this does not apply to other high density settings, including schools. The governor has indicated that she plans to reassess the mask mandate in early March. According to a press release on her website, the assessment will be based on public health data. Until such time as the mandate is lifted, masks are required to be worn in school buildings by all students, staff and visitors. At this time, it is our intent as a district to continue to follow the state mandates, as has been the case since the start of the pandemic. The mandate for masks on school buses is established at the federal level, and unless otherwise determined at that level, will continue to remain in effect. Should Gov. Hochul change the mask mandate affecting schools, the district will address the situation accordingly.
COVID-19 test kit distribution
GCSD has received another allotment of COVID-19 rapid, at-home test kits. Next week, each student will receive one test kit box, which contains two test kits. These test kits should be used if your student begins experiencing COVID-like symptoms or has a COVID-19 exposure. We will not be requiring students to report a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school from winter break, unless they travel overseas.
Online safety resources
As I’m sure you are aware, now more than ever there is a tremendous amount of media available to children. It may be difficult to determine levels of appropriateness, depending on a child’s age and maturity level. To help families navigate online safety, the Farnsworth Middle School media specialists compiled a list of credible digital and informational literacy resources:
Common Sense Media
NetSmartz
News Literacy Project
Media Smarts
COVID-19 cases for Feb. 8-Feb. 11
The information below details the number of new COVID-19 positive cases for Feb. 8-Feb. 11. For daily positive COVID-19 cases affecting GCSD, please visit the NYS COVID-19 Report Card.
Altamont Elementary School: 1 new case
Guilderland Elementary School: 3 new cases
Lynnwood Elementary School: 0 new cases
Pine Bush Elementary School: 3 new cases
Westmere Elementary School: 5 new cases
Farnsworth Middle School: 3 new cases
Guilderland High School: 3 new cases
If you have not already done so, please join the GCSD 2022-23 school budget ThoughtExchange. This online forum provides GCSD families and community members with the opportunity to share priorities for the 2022-23 school budget. The ThoughtExchange will be open until Monday, Feb. 14. By taking part in the ThoughtExchange, you can share your thoughts and rate the thoughts of others; your input is critical to the budget development process.
As always, thank you for your continued patience and support. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent