Dear Putnam Valley Community:
In light of recently updated guidance provided by the New York State Department of Health and after consultation with members of the Putnam Valley Reopening Task Force, mask use while outdoors will now be optional. Masks are still required inside of the buildings and on the school buses.
Thank you,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
EARLIER MESSAGES
6/6/21 – Additional Mask Update – Still waiting for new guidance
Good afternoon,
I am writing to provide an update regarding the status of masks in schools. As I am sure everyone can imagine, I have received many emails this weekend from parents who want masks eliminated and from those who are pleading for them to remain required.
We did receive confirmation from the New York State Education Department earlier today that the New York State Department of Health has not yet changed their mask guidance (excerpt below). It is evident that many members of our community have strong feelings on both sides of this topic. As a public school district we must continue to follow the guidance we receive. While the current guidance still requires masks to be worn in schools, it seems increasingly likely that NYS may change that guidance in the near future. In the event the guidance is changed, Putnam Valley will revise our practices to comply with that updated guidance.
We are aware that high temperatures will be with us for a few more days. Putnam Valley is well prepared to deal with these temperatures. Unlike many districts in our region, our schools mostly run off geothermal wells, which means our buildings are cooled with central air conditioning. Any building space not cooled by the geothermal wells is outfitted with a stand alone air conditioner. Students will be provided with mask breaks throughout the day.
Once NYS provides guidance (one way or another) regarding mask use for the remainder of the year, many will not be happy. It is my hope that regardless of the decision made by New York State that everyone will be respectful of that decision and our students will have an enjoyable end to what has been a very challenging year.
NYSED Message: “As of September 1, 2020, school districts were permitted to reopen, under Executive Order 202.60, “subject to adherence to Department of Health issued guidance and directives.” These have included the submission of reopening plans to address, among other things, distancing and health requirements.
SED has been in communication with Executive staff regarding the attached letter from Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State Commissioner of Health. According to conversations with Executive staff, the intent of this letter was to obtain a response from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding differing standards for summer camps and schools; it has not changed any existing arrangements. Therefore, schools should continue to operate under their existing procedures until further notice. No changes have been, or will be, made by the Executive until after Monday June 7 to afford the CDC an opportunity to respond to the letter.”
Thank you for your continued patience.
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
6/5/21 Update – Awaiting NYSDOH guidance
Dear Putnam Valley Community:
We are aware that the NYSDOH requested additional information from the CDC regarding the wearing of masks in and outside of school. We will continue to monitor this situation throughout the weekend and will be following up with our local health officials and school physician. We have closely followed all NYSDOH guidance since the onset of the COVID pandemic and will continue to do so moving forward. There is currently a lot of inaccurate media frenzy regarding this situation, I would encourage anyone who is interested to refer to the initial press release from NYS.
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/Letter_from_NYSDOH.pdf
As soon as additional information becomes available I will again update the community. I share everyone’s eagerness to stop using masks, but we need to make sure we have all the information and guidance before making the decision to do so.
Thank you,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools