Dear Parents & Families,
Happy Friday to you all! Before you start your weekend, we have a few updates and upcoming events we would like to make you aware of. We would first like to thank you for your patience as the state and local guidance related to COVID-19 protocols continues to change to respond to the ongoing health crisis. As we said earlier this week, we will work to keep you updated as we receive information on how the health guidance impacts your students in-person learning.
We had several positive cases of COVID-19 in our school community, which resulted in a number of quarantines. Your continued diligence in adhering to practices that will mitigate the spread of the virus, including proper mask wearing and handwashing are appreciated. As a reminder, please keep your child(ren) home if they are experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. Students, staff and visitors are required to properly wear a face covering or mask while in the building, regardless of vaccination status. An effective way to reduce the transmission rate is to be vaccinated if you are eligible. Information on vaccination clinics in Albany County can be found here.
School will be closed this upcoming Monday, Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Also on Monday, the PTA is hosting a dine out fundraiser at Il Faro Restaurant here in Menands. For more information, please refer to the Menands PTA Facebook page. The PTA raffle will conclude on Thursday, Jan. 20. Please refer to the flier that was sent home for details.
If you have not filled out the Student Digital Resources survey, we ask that you do so by next Friday, Jan. 21. We are required to send the New York State Department of Education this information in order to comply with state regulations, and to continue to be eligible for funding and resources.
As the winter season progresses, the chance for inclement conditions becomes more likely. In the event of a weather-related emergency, we will continue to utilize SchoolMessenger and the local media to notify of school closures and delays. If you are not receiving notifications from us via SchoolMessenger, please contact Liz Mentiply in the main office. For safety reasons, please do not drop off students prior to 10:10 a.m. during a delayed opening. Prior to this time, there is no supervision for students.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these uncertain times, together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Dr. Long & Mrs. Cannavo