Dear WACS Families:
We recently received a new guidance document from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) that addresses the possible move from 6’ of physical distancing to 3’ of physical distancing. We are working through the guidance and preparing for possible next steps. Given the infection rate in Chautauqua County at this time, this is currently only allowable at the elementary level. We are looking for feedback from our school community on your thoughts about a reduction to 3’ of physical distancing. Although the current infection rate in Chautauqua County does not allow for a reduction in physical distancing in our secondary school, we are seeking your thoughts about a reduction in physical distancing in both the elementary and secondary schools. This will enable us to have a clear picture of your thoughts for both schools in the event of a future infection rate decrease within our county, making it allowable at the secondary level. We will continue to practice all of the recommended safety procedures.
They are as follows:
- remain in place to include cleaning and disinfecting protocols
- mandatory mask wearing
- protocols to stay home through a daily health screening when symptomatic
- 6’ of distance between adults and children
- 6’ of distance during meals, music, PE and common areas
- contact tracing for positive cases and quarantining as per county and state guidelines to contain possible transmission.
When would elementary students move from 6’ to 3’ physical distancing?
If our District moves in this direction to reduce physical distancing, the change would begin April 26, 2021.
When would secondary students move to 3’social distancing?
We will continue to monitor the infection rate in Chautauqua County. As per the NYSDOH guidance, the current infection rate in Chautauqua County does not permit the reduction in physical distancing from 6’ to 3’ at the secondary school.
For your reference, the updated guidance can be viewed by using the link below:
We would appreciate your input regarding the reduction in physical distancing from 6’ to 3’.
Please use the survey link below to access a brief survey pertaining to the updated guidance.
https://forms.gle/EUAMGVUWvUSr...
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you,
Michael Cipolla
Superintendent of Schools