Dear DCS community:
Today the Duanesburg Central School District was informed that a staff member of the Jr./Sr. High School has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last in the building on Dec. 8. The district has taken immediate steps to notify Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS). The district is working closely with the public health officials and following all guidance provided by them. They will take the lead role in any further steps that may be necessary, such as additional testing of individuals or contact tracing.
We are not permitted by privacy laws to identify the individual who tested positive. We have provided as much information as possible. The individual who tested positive is in quarantine for the recommended time and will not return to school until cleared by SCPHS.
Based on its contact tracing protocols, SCPHS has determined that 12 staff members need to quarantine. This results in a staffing shortage.
Starting Monday, Dec. 14, students in grades 7-12 will pivot to fully remote learning through Dec. 23. The Jr./Sr. High School will return to in-person learning following the winter recess on Monday, Jan. 4.
This closure does not impact the elementary school, which will be open as usual, with all students in grades PK-6 participating in their regular learning schedules.
Going to all-remote learning at the Jr./Sr. High School was not a decision we made lightly; however, based on the staffing shortage in this circumstance, we determined that it would not be possible to continue in-person learning at this time.
Off-site programs
BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and other students who participate in off-campus programs will continue to attend their programs in-person as usual.
Food service
Parents who wish to arrange meals for their high school-aged children may contact Mary Jewell, Food Services Director, at mjewell@duanesburg.org or 518-895-3000 ext. 228.
High School Main Office
The High School Main Office will be open as usual during the closure. Shifting to remote learning does not indicate widespread infection in the building. We are shifting to remote learning in the Jr./Sr. High School because of a staffing shortage caused by quarantine protocols.
Contact tracing
You will be notified by public health if you or your child has been in close contact with this individual. If you are not contacted, then you know that you and/or your child have not been in contact with the individual who tested positive. If you are not contacted by Public Health, then you know that you and/or your child have not been in contact with the individuals who tested positive. If your child has been asked to quarantine, please contact our school nurse.
We again remind you that we are following all of the necessary health and safety precautions outlined in our reopening plan, including mask-wearing, social distancing and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting. We will continue to work in close partnership with our public health partners.
Please continue to be vigilant in handwashing, mask wearing and all other health and safety practices that prevent the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your support, cooperation and partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Niedermeier
Superintendent of Schools