COVID Update — Oct. 13, 2021

Dear Families,

Please, please remind your children that “over the nose is how it goes.” Masking is so very important. We are among the top of the list in terms of lowest infection rates by district in the county. This is thanks to everyone’s efforts to keep each other healthy. Please stay on it. We really appreciate your support.

Our testing program for staff started this week. As per New York State requirements, staff members will be tested weekly unless they choose to “opt out” by providing proof of vaccination.

Our surveillance testing program for students will begin next week. Children are not required to participate. 5% of the population will be randomly selected for testing each week. Families will be notified the week prior on Fridays with information about the day and time of testing. Students will be quickly and easily swabbed by a health professional at school using the very simple, minimally invasive rapid antigen test and sent back to class (in other words, not the uncomfortable deep nasal swab). Much like our program last year, we expect this to be a very quick and easy process resulting in parent notification only in the event that your child tests positive. If you do not want your child to be tested, you will be provided with a way to opt out.

PCR tests are still required for return to school in cases where the health department has determined that a test is needed. We’re very glad to let you know that sites are being created for greater access to PCR tests for return to school. Our school staff members who discuss COVID absences with you can direct you to those opportunities as they become available.

Here are our COVID numbers from the Monroe County Department of Public Health as of 3 p.m. today:

• Students or staff in quarantine: 5
• Council Rock Primary School positive cases: 3
• French Road Elementary School positive cases: 1
• Twelve Corners Middle School positive cases: 0
• Brighton High School positive cases: 2

Thanks for all that you are all doing to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Kevin

Kevin McGowan, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools