Archived COVID-19 Information 2019-20

Correspondence from the District

  • Distance Learning Extended Through End of Year (May 1, 2020):

    Today Governor Cuomo announced that schools will remain closed and distance learning will be extended through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. A decision on summer school is expected to be announced by the end of May. While this decision was expected, it is still disappointing to hear, knowing what it means for our students, families and staff, and how it will impact the important traditions, activities and milestones which coincide with the end of the school year. We would like to thank our school community for your tremendous support as we have navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. We know this news will bring new questions and we will continue to provide updates in the days and weeks to come. Germantown Central Schools will continue to provide food and childcare services, as well as remote learning, throughout the closure of our school buildings.

  • NYSPHSAA Cancels Spring Sports Championships (April 27, 2020):The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announces the cancellation of the 2020 spring state championship events. The impacted events are boys and girls track & field, boys tennis, softball, baseball, golf and both boys and girls lacrosse state championships scheduled to be held between June 4–13. “Unfortunately, with the continued impact of the COVID-19 crisis, hosting the spring 2020 state championships is no longer feasible (time factor, facility and venue availability, etc.)” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA’s President. “Canceling the remaining winter state championships in late March was challenging and the cancelation of our spring state championships today is equally disappointing.” Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director said, “Today’s decision is difficult for the membership of NYSPHSAA. We certainly sympathize with the students, coaches and their school communities, especially the graduating seniors.” The NYSPHSAA will continue to rely upon information from the New York State Department of Health, local health departments as well as the Governor’s office for information and guidance on COVID-19 and its impact upon the spring regular season. As of today, the spring regular season remains on hold for nine of the 11 Sections; Section VIII and XI (Long Island) officially canceled all spring events on April 21st.  Individual Sections have the authority to decide whether to hold regular season contests. For student-athletes to return to athletic participation this spring, schools need to be reopened by the Governor of New York State. The date students can return to school will play a significant role in the possibility of a spring sports regular season.
  • Class Cancellation Period Extended (April 17, 2020):Germantown Central School District buildings will remain closed through May 15 per Governor Cuomo’s new Executive Order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this order, our school district must continue to provide online learning, meals for students and childcare for essential workers every weekday. The state will reassess whether to extend the statewide school closures past this date. We encourage families to continue to check their email and our website for additional information related to this pandemic. We thank you for your support and patience during this time.
  • Letter from Principal Meagher (April 7, 2020)
  • Class/Regents Exams Cancellation Update (April 6, 2020)
  • Letter from Principal DiDonna (April 1, 2020)
  • Class Cancellation Update (April 1, 2020):Germantown Central School will remain closed through April 14 per Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this order, our school district must continue to provide remote learning, meals for students and childcare for essential workers every weekday through April 14 even though the district is scheduled to be on spring recess during that time. The state will reassess whether to extend the statewide school closures past this date. We encourage families to continue to check their email and our website for additional information.
  • Childcare for Essential Workers (March 26, 2020)
  • Grab-and-Go Food Service (March 18, 2020)
  • Letter from Principal DiDonna (March 18, 2020)
  • Letter from Principal Meagher (March 17, 2020)
  • GCSD Closing (March 15, 2020)
  • Coronavirus Update (March 13, 2020)
  • Coronavirus Letter (March 5, 2020)

Class Cancellations

In conjunction with superintendents in the Questar III BOCES region, Germantown Central School District has decided to cancel all classes until at least Wednesday, April 1.

UPDATE
On March 27, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced that all school districts in New York State will remain closed an additional two weeks, until at least April 15, to help protect the public against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

UPDATE
On April 6, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced that all school districts in New York State will remain closed until at least April 29 to help protect the public against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

UPDATE
On April 16, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced that all school districts in New York State will remain closed through at least May 15 to help protect the public against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

UPDATE
On May 1, 2020, Governor Cuomo extended distance learning for all school districts in New York State through the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year.

Exams and State Assessments

Regents Exams
(April 7, 2020) The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has canceled all June 2020 Regents Exams in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, NYSED has changed the requirements students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements. This applies to all grade 7-12 students in the 2019-2020 school year who intended to take one or more of the June 2020 Regents.

NYS 3-8 Assessments
(March 25, 2020) The New York State Education Department suspended all 2020 Grade 3-8 State Assessments for the remainder of this school year. This includes the 3-8 ELA Assessments, 3-8 Math Assessments and Grade 4 & 8 Science Performance.

Childcare

The NYS Office of Children and Family Services, who oversee all Regional Child Care Centers, request that families complete the following survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ
(survey closed)

The Germantown AfterSchool Program (GAP) & Germantown Central School District (GCSD) are partnering to provide emergency childcare for essential workers. Please contact the school to receive information regarding the cost of the program as well as additional details. Respond with the following information:
• name of parent/ guardian
• best telephone number
• name of employer where essentially employed
• number of school age children (PK-12th grade) who need childcare
• days & hours needed
Contacts:
• Leave a voicemail: 518-537-6281 x 2302
• Email Superintendent: sbrown@germantowncsd.org
• Mail to: Susan Brown, Superintendent of Schools
123 Main St.
Germantown, NY 12526

Food Service

During the cancellation of classes, the Germantown Central School District (GCSD) is offering meals to all students in need. All children in GCSD households under the age of 18, where at least one child attends GCSD, qualify for the GCSD GRAB & GO meal program.

GCSD GRAB & GO meals will be available for pick-up at the bus loop located at the Route 9G entrance from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

  • The program begins on Friday, March 20th.
  • GCSD GRAB & GO meals will be consumed off-site.
  • A drive-thru pick-up station will be set up outside of the high school gymnasium.
  • Please remain in your car and meals will be brought to you.
  • GRAB & GO meals may be picked up by:
    • A parent or guardian of GCSD student(s) (as defined by the child’s registration documentation).
    • A caregiver who has the child(ren) with them.

Friday’s pick-up will include: Breakfast and Lunch for Monday, Breakfast and Lunch for Tuesday.
Tuesday’s pick-up will include: Breakfast and Lunch for Wednesday, Breakfast and Lunch for Thursday, Breakfast and Lunch for Friday.

To participate in the GCSD GRAB & GO program, contact the district at 518-537-6281 ext. 2301 so we may prepare meals for you. Please communicate any dietary restrictions for your child(ren). You may opt-in to this program at any time. Please provide advanced notice so our staff has time to prepare enough meals.

Buildings and Grounds Access

Our district buildings and facilities are closed to the public during the cancellation of classes.

Athletics

All practices and any other athletic events have been suspended effective immediately through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The health and safety of our student-athletes is our top priority. Updates will be posted as they become available.

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About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can lead to fever, coughing, trouble breathing and/or shortness of breath. While many of cases lead to mild symptoms, there can be life-threatening cases, especially among older adults and those who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. The new strand is a “novel” coronavirus that originated in China late in 2019.

What You Can Do (Prevention)

There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this virus, but as with most illnesses and viruses, there are everyday measures you can take to prevent the spread.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use at least 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick and keep your child home when they are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Families are also encouraged to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel information available here.

What You Can Do If You Think You May Have COVID-19

If you or a family member begin showing symptoms of respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice. Local health departments will contact schools if a suspected or known COVID-19 case is confirmed. In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.

COVID-19 Resources

Community Resources