• COVID-19


    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Under what circumstances would we close schools?

    As per the Governor and the NYSDOH, when a student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case, an initial 24-hour closure will take place to begin an investigation to determine the contacts that the individual may have had within the school environment. That investigation will inform the plan determined by the local department of health as to any further required closure, or other necessary precautions to take for specific classrooms, or for specific individuals. During that initial 24-hour closure the school shall immediately take steps to clean and disinfect the school building(s) where the student or staff had contact prior to testing positive for COVID-19. That disinfection must be in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines and complete before accepting returning students.  Southampton will follow the guidelines of our local DOH should they apply in the future.

    • If closed, what is the expected time period?

    The length of closure will vary depending on the circumstances of the confirmed case and as directed.

    • Who makes the decision to close schools?

    Any potential school closings (and reopening) due to illness will be guided by the Superintendent in conjunction with NYSED and the Suffolk County Department of Health.

     How will we be notified of a school closure?

    We will use communicate as if it were a snow day, including via phone and email through Remind, Connect-ed, Facebook, school website and local radio and television. 

    • What is the plan for school closure?

    The district will provide remote instruction; more information would be released following the determination of a closing.  A “remote learning plan” has been developed and will be posted on the school website.

    • If there is a closure, will there be provisions for breakfast and lunch for students participating in the Free and Reduced Price breakfast and lunch programs?

    A waiver has been secured by the District from Albany to provide brown bag meals for students.  In the event of a long term closure (more than 5 days), students who receive free and reduced price lunches will be able to make arrangements to have meals picked up at a “drive through window” at Southampton High School during specific hours.  Hours and details will be posted on the school website.  

    • What will instruction look like during a closure?

    We are currently planning for remote learning opportunities, which will different at each grade level. Specific instructions will be posted on the school website in our Remote Learning Plan.  Related services will also be addressed in the event of a long term closing.  

    • What if my child does not do the work or keep up with the prescribed assignments?

    It is intended that this instruction will take the place of regular in-class instruction, therefore the same academic expectations remain.  Assignments are being created with the understanding that students will be completing work in unstructured settings and without direct instruction.

    • If my child has a cough, runny nose, or fever, should I keep them home?

    Students who have a fever should be kept home until they are fever free for 24 hours. Please contact your primary care doctor if you have specific questions related to your child’s health.  

    • Will the District notify families if we have self-quarantined cases?

    We will not release names of students or staff. In such a circumstance it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  We will follow closure procedures and any recommended expansions of self-isolation or quarantine based on Department of Health guidance.

    • Where can I get additional information on updates, prevention measures and resources?

    Please visit https://www.health.ny.gov/ or https://suffolkcountyny.gov/ for more information on COVID-19.

    • Where do I go for more information regarding my child’s schooling related to COVID-19

    Should you have specific questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school.