August 24, 2022
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
I hope you are well and join me in excitement for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. We have been busy working to ensure a successful opening of schools and some of our student groups have already begun. Following staff days prior, the first day of school for students is Wednesday, September 7.
The New York State Department of Health and Education Department have jointly provided guidance that was sent on Tuesday, August 22. This letter is to provide you an overview of details provided to districts for more flexibility heading into this school year. The information includes utilizing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Operational Guidance for K-12 School and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning”.
Notable is the following information, much of which was in place at the end of last school year:
- Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days at home per the CDC’s Isolation Guidance.
- Students and staff exposed to COVID-19 will not have to quarantine and should follow the CDC’s Exposure Guidance.
- Schools will no longer conduct contact tracing.
- The “Test to Stay” policy recommendation has been eliminated.
- Universal Masking is not required. Students and staff will be supported should they choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask.
- Screening testing, while no longer required, may be available per an upcoming communication and a survey that will be sent following this letter.
Please refer to the NYSDOH “2022-2023 Frequently Asked Questions related to COVID-19” when needed. We have been assured there is no further guidance planned and that we will be provided updated recommendations as the pandemic response continues to evolve.
Please accept my continued thanks for our work together. We are “West Genesee Stronger Together”.
Sincerely,
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee Central School District