Dear Families,

We are writing to share important information on the rapidly developing news regarding COVID-19/Coronavirus. After reviewing all recent information from the New York State, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, School Physicians, and the WSWHE superintendents, Galway Central School District will be proactively cancelling classes, all school events, and activities from Monday, March 16 through April 19, 2020. This concerted effort is intended to reduce the spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus. At this time we have not been notified of any confirmed cases of the virus associated with our school community. 

The district is approaching this postponement with the following priorities: 

1. The health and safety of our community. 

2. Helping our community cope with the closure of the school district by addressing basic needs such as providing meals to families.

3. Plans to encourage student learning for the duration of the closure.

Health and Safety

We recognize that this news will be concerning to many of our students and families. We ask that medical questions be directed to your family doctor/healthcare provider. During the closure, if you or one of your family members tests positive for COVID-19/Coronavirus, please contact the district office at 518-882-1033 ext. 3224. School nurses will be available for your child's medication pick-up from 10:00am-1:00pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm on March 16 and March 17. Should you need your child’s medication but are unable to pick it up, please call 518-882-1033 ext. 4801.

Our district wide postponement of classes means that all Galway Central School activities, meetings, and events, including sports practices, are canceled. The Board of Education meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 6:30pm.  The meeting can be viewed remotely from our website as the meeting will be closed to the public.  

Our school grounds are also closed during this time. School grounds include the playground, basketball courts, track etc...

Meals

Breakfast and lunch are available to all families, regardless of economic need. A member of your child’s school will contact families that receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch. We will be distributing food throughout the postponement of classes and specific details will be given to each family. Please contact Michelle McDougall at 518-882-1033 x 4241 with any questions. 

Academic 

It is important to acknowledge that there are practical limits to instructional program continuity. Instead, our commitment will be to sharing a variety of resources for parent-guided and self-guided learning for students. This will include links and resources that will allow students to practice skills, review content and explore topics at home. In addition, we will provide students with their 1:1 devices to use as needed. Details of this will be provided at a later date.

This situation is constantly evolving. The district will continue to evaluate the situation next week and determine next steps as we continue to help mitigate the community spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus. Please stay tuned for updates as the next week unfolds. We will be communicating with families via email and posting information on our district website.

Please know, as always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this illness.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

New York State DOH Website