The following is an important message for all Ichabod Crane families from Superintendent, Suzanne Guntlow. This was emailed to all families on Monday, November 2. It is a reminder about following safety guidelines outside of school hours, especially with the holiday season approaching.
You can also find this message on district letterhead here.
November 2, 2020
Dear Parents & Guardians,
As you know, last week we had two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the High School that resulted in over 90 high school students and over 20 staff members being quarantined. We also had to close the high school for in-person learning until November 9 as a result of that many quarantined staff. These facts clearly demonstrate the impact that a single case of COVID-19 can have on the entire school district. While we are taking every possible precaution in school, we are relying on you – the Ichabod Crane parents, families and community members – to work with us by ensuring students are following the safety guidelines outside school. This is for the protection of everyone in the district and preserves the ability to keep our schools open and functioning.
I’m writing this reminder, as over the recent Halloween weekend I received several emails from concerned community members letting me know about a party where it is alleged that Ichabod Crane students were in attendance. These community members informed me that the students were socializing with one another without following the necessary COVID safety protocols.
Not only will this sort of unsafe behavior outside school affect the safety of everyone in the schools, it also makes contact tracing investigation much more difficult for the Department of Health. I cannot say enough about how the students are doing an amazing job following COVID safety protocols at school, but it’s crucial they understand that when they leave school, these protocols need to continue. This is a shared responsibility between the district and families, so I am asking for your help in keeping everyone in our community as safe as possible.
Also over the weekend, Governor Cuomo announced changes to New York State travel restrictions that will be effective November 4. For travelers who were in another state for more than 24 hours, there is an option to “test out” of the 14-day quarantine requirement. Instead of extended quarantine, if you test negative three days prior to arrival in NYS, quarantine for three days after arrival, and test negative again on the fourth day, you may exit quarantine. This will apply to all states except New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Travelers who were in another state for less than 24 hours will not need a test prior to their departure from that state and do not need to quarantine upon arrival back in NYS, however will need to be tested four days after their return to NY.
With the holiday season now upon us, which is traditionally a time of large social gatherings and out of state travel, it will be especially important to keep all of this in mind. The next few months will be a test for us all and we will need to work together as a school community to keep everyone safe. I strongly encourage you to do everything you can to celebrate the holidays in a way that prevents further COVID-19 spread and allows us to keep our schools open.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Guntlow
Superintendent
Ichabod Crane Central School District