A message from Superintendent Wiles:
Dear Guilderland CSD Families,
Today marks the end of the first quarter of the school year. Over the past three months as I’ve visited the GCSD schools, I’ve been so pleased by the resiliency shown by our students. They are making this school year “work”, despite its challenges. We’re not back to normal but we are experiencing some normalcy and that’s a step forward.
Thank you to our school psychologists and school-related professionals
This past week, schools throughout the country honored their School Psychologists and the important work they do to help all students thrive. In addition, Nov. 16 is School Related Professionals day in New York state. This day recognizes those who help educate, feed and transport students, monitor their health, administer school offices, and maintain school facilities.
On the surface these two groups may seem very distinct but they both work extremely hard to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students. I sincerely appreciate the dedication of all of these professionals.
Vaccination clinic planned
The district is partnering with the Albany County Department of Health to host a vaccination clinic at Guilderland Elementary School scheduled from 4 p.m.-7 p.m on Monday, Nov. 22 with follow-up appointments on Dec. 13. Doses will be available for 5 to 11-year-old children as well as for those 12 and above, including booster shots. Vaccinations will be available by appointment only. Please look for additional information next week along with a link to schedule an appointment.
Diagnostic COVID-19 testing begins Monday, Nov. 15
Earlier this week a communication went out to GCSD families about the district’s diagnostic COVID-19 testing program, which will begin Monday, Nov. 15. This optional program is for students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The testing location is behind the GCSD Maintenance Facility Building 3, at 2 Dutchmen Lane. This building is located behind the Guilderland Center Firehouse, on School Road. The driveway is adjacent to the firehouse; directions can be found here. It will be open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Reminder from the transportation department
The transportation staff at GCSD would like to remind families of the importance of students remaining in their assigned seats when on their school bus. Students have been given assigned seats so that social distancing protocols can be followed. Additionally, assigned seats make contact tracing straightforward and accurate. We ask that you please remind your students to comply with this simple measure so that our drivers can focus on driving safely.
COVID-19 cases for the week of Nov. 8
The information below details the number of new COVID-19 positive cases for the week of November 8 and the resulting number of required quarantines.
Altamont Elementary School: 2 new cases; 11 close contacts requiring quarantine
Guilderland Elementary School: 3 new cases; 32 close contacts requiring quarantine
Lynnwood Elementary School: 0 new cases
Pine Bush Elementary School: 3 new cases; 47* close contacts requiring quarantine
Westmere Elementary School: 0 new cases
Farnsworth Middle School: 3 new cases; 25 close contacts requiring quarantine
Guilderland High School: 6 new cases; 12 close contacts requiring quarantine
*contact tracing was not complete at the time of publication; more will be added.
Veterans Day
Yesterday our country observed Veterans Day. This important holiday was marked in many of our school buildings with student artwork, displays and tributes. If you or a member of your family is a military veteran, GCSD honors your sacrifice and appreciates your service.
As always, thank you for your continued patience and support. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent