Dear Putnam Valley Community:
After successfully implementing our first phase of our spring re-entry plan, we have turned our attention to welcoming back many of our all-remote learners beginning on Tuesday, April 6. Our schools will be closed Monday, March 29, through Monday, April 5.
CDC and NYSDOH Guidance: We are aware that the CDC has released updated guidance related to the reopening of schools with 3 feet of separation, without the requirement of barriers. It is our understanding that the NYSDOH is currently reviewing that guidance and will be issuing a statement or updated guidance sometime in the future. As a public school district in New York we are required to follow the NYSDOH and therefore must await their updated guidance.
COVID Testing: We have scheduled another COVID testing clinic for Monday, April 5 from 11am – 1pm at Putnam Valley Middle School. The testing is open to all current students who plan to attend in-person learning after the break. We ask that anyone who is a known contact of a COVID positive person or symptomatic to please visit a physician to be tested. Anyone interesting in being tested must complete this registration form: https://forms.gle/nWCC5cacadte6qha6
Positive Cases: We continue to see an increase in the number of positive cases within Putnam Valley High School. It is more important than ever to stay vigilant and follow all precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. This week we had another 5 students at PVHS, 1 staff member at PVHS, 1 student at PVES, and 1 staff member at the district office test positive.
Student Daily Health Screenings: Please continue to help us keep our students and staff healthy and our buildings open by completing the daily screenings before your children arrive at school each day. The link can be found on our Putnam Valley CSD Mobile App or on our website homepage under COVID Resources. Link to daily screening.
Reminders from Last Week
Travel Advisory: Current travel guidance can be referenced here. New York State has announced, effective April 1, domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine upon arriving back in New York, although self-quarantine is still encouraged. International travelers must continue to quarantine. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Regardless of quarantine status, all individuals returning from travel must:
- Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14;
- Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated);
- Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.
Athletic Events: As we kick off the reschedule fall 2 sports season (Football, Cheerleading & Volleyball), the NYSDOH and Section One Athletics have updated some of their spectator policies. Effective March 22, NYSDOH has increased the limit of spectators at outdoor events to 200 individuals, Section One has revised their spectator policy to allow two guests per athlete for outdoor events and two guests per home athlete for indoor events (exceptions are outlined in the guidance for playoffs and senior nights). Spectators must continue to abide by all public health precautions, including social distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, temperature check, and completion of a health screening.
Spring & End of Year Events: We continue to closely follow NYSDOH guidance related to indoor and end-of-year events; this includes our spring concerts, plays, moving-up/graduation ceremonies, and the prom. Planning for many of these events is already underway and will ultimately be decided based on the guidance that is available at that time.
Enjoy the spring break, time with family, and the arrival of nicer weather. It’s been a long year. We have been tested and challenged; we have done amazing things in brand new ways, and we have learned that we are stronger together. Thank you!
Take care and stay well,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools