Covid-19

Welcome to our COVID response page.

Below you’ll find all the critical information about how the school is changing the way we operate to reduce the risk of COVID infection. We are doing everything we can to make sure staff, students, and families are safe.

Please check back regularly, as we will update the information here as conditions change.

The NYCDOE also has important information and resources for you.

Last updated: October 14, 2020

SAFETY INFORMATION

Our school has implemented a number of changes to ensure everyone's safety.

MASKS -Masks must be worn at all times by all adults (teachers, staff, and visitors) and by students in grade 2 and up while in the building. If your child is unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, they must have an excuse signed by a doctor on file in the office.
HANDWASHING - Students and staff are expected to wash hands thoroughly before and after eating, after using the bathroom, if exposed to body fluids (like saliva or a sneeze), and at other times necessary throughout the day.
SCHOOL VISITS - We are limiting visitors to the school during this time. Parent and community volunteer and in-person tutoring have been suspended until further notice. Most parent-teacher conferences and other meetings can be held virtually. All visits must be pre-approved and scheduled with the office.
WHILE IN THE BUILDING - When you enter the building, please check in at the front desk. During check-in, you will be given a nametag and reminded to wear your mask at all times.
TRAFFIC FLOW IN HALLWAYS - Hallways are marked with arrows. Please keep at least 6 ft. distance between yourself and others.
ILLNESS - Students and staff exhibiting signs of illness or having a fever of greater than 99.9°F must stay home. If you or someone you know has COVID-19 (or shows symptoms of COVID-19 such as coughing or fever), it is required that you stay home or at a designated care facility for a minimum of 14 days. Please contact us via phone or email as soon as possible.
PRIORITY TESTING - Testing at 22 Health and Hospital (H+H) testing sites during the 2020-2021 school year is being prioritized for all :

*Department of Education students in 3K through grade 12 Department of Education employees,

*Employees of Department of Education contracted early childhood programs, and affiliated family child care networks

*Employees of Department of Education- and Department of Youth and Community Development-contracted Learning Bridges programs

Please visit the NYS Coronavirus Find a Test Site page to find a test site closest to you.

In addition to asking everyone to wear masks, wash hands, and maintain social distancing, our school has taken several steps to improve the safety of our staff and students. These steps have been recomended by local health authorities to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

CHANGE IN CLASS SIZES - We've reduced the average class size from 31 to 12 for in-person instruction.
VENTILATION - In an effort to maximize air circulation, we are opening windows in all classrooms as well as leaving classroom doors open.
CLEANING FREQUENCY - Our custodial team is committed to cleaning all classrooms twice daily, once before the school day and once in the afternoon. In addition, all classroom teachers have been provided with sanitizing wipes to wipe down surfaces and shared resources on an as-needed basis throughout the school day.
HAND SANITATION - All bathrooms have been stocked with extra soap for frequent hand washing. In addition, we have provided teachers with hand sanitizer for the classroom and added hand sanitizer stations in classrooms.