Dear Putnam Valley Community:
The Putnam Valley School District was excited to welcome back students and staff after our mid-winter recess. Wednesday marked the first day of optional mask use and It was evident that regardless of an individual’s choice to wear a mask or not, there was a general acceptance of that personal decision. Earlier this week, the New York State Department of Health released an updated guidance document for schools. We have summarized some of the key items outlined in this most recent guidance document.
Required:
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Isolation is required for anyone who has tested positive for a minimum of 5 days.
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Individuals who return from isolation (after testing positive for COVID) must wear a mask from Day 6 through Day 10 of their isolation period.
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The school districts must continue to notify families of potential in-school exposures.
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Testing or isolation is still required for individuals who are symptomatic, regardless of vaccination status.
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Symptomatic individuals will be required to wear a mask while in the nurse’s office.
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Continuation of surveillance testing for unvaccinated staff members.
Strongly Recommended:
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Mask wearing is strongly encouraged for individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
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Frequent testing is strongly recommended for individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
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Mask wearing for immunocompromised after consultation with their healthcare provider.
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Schools are strongly encouraged to use other mitigation measures including ventilation, surveillance testing, and access to over-the-counter at-home test kits.
Other Recommendations:
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Continuation of social distancing (as feasible).
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Establish an environment of acceptance for staff and students, regardless of their decision to wear a mask or not.
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Symptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should remain home and seek a test.
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Exposed individuals may remain in school, regardless of vaccination status.
We are looking forward to a happy and healthy spring and welcoming parents back into our building to attend special events. Please be on the lookout for more information on how you can see and experience the amazing work of our students and staff in Putnam Valley.
Take Care,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools