Latest COVID-19 Information 2022-23

  • Alert: Those in need of COVID-19 testing resources may pick up tests for free at any of our school buildings or the district office.

    Check back here for the latest updates and information from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Runner. Previous years' information is archived to the left.

    May 22, 2023

    Dear MACS Family and Community,

    I wanted to reach out and let you know that our COVID Coordinator, Sadie Blauvelt, will be returning to her position at the High School as of June 7th. I thank her for her service and our nursing staff who helped us navigate three years of the pandemic before the public health emergency ended earlier this month.

    The district will still provide home COVID-19 tests available in the schools and district office for the coming year. As we move forward if you have any health questions, please reach out to your family physician, ConnextCare or the school nursing staff for guidance.

    Sincerely,

    Donna Runner, Ed.D.

    Aug. 25, 2022

    Dear MACS Family and Community,

    First Day of School, Grades K-12, is September 6th. This year is going to be FABULOUS! We have dedicated, motivated staff who want the best for our scholars. MACS is a great place to learn and grow.
    School Calendars are at the printers and will be mailed home shortly! I think you will find them rich in content, with lots of important information to guide your planning.

    School supplies have been purchased for all students in grades pre-K through 8 and high school students may get them as needed through the office.

    Please be reminded that all of our students have access to medical services through our ConnextCare School Based Health Centers. You may register your children through the link below.

    School-Based Health Centers / School-Based Health Centers (mexicocsd.org)

     The New York Education Department and the New York State Department of Health released a joint letter to school districts outlining plans for the coming school year. Their guidance is in alignment with the Center for Disease Control.  Here are some highlights:

    • Students and staff exposed to COVID-19 will no longer have to quarantine and should follow the CDC guidance to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after exposure and get tested.
    • Schools will not be required to conduct contact tracing.  (Sadie Blauvelt, COVID Coordinator, will continue to notify staff and families if there is a positive case in a classroom or work area.)
    •  Social distancing will no longer be required.
    •  Universal masking will not be required.
    • Schools will not be required to report daily test results to DOH.
    • Schools will not be required to test unvaccinated staff.
    • Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days at home. Those with symptoms may resume attending school or work after 5 days if they are fever free without fever reducing medicine for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving, and they wear a mask through day 10.

    Our nurses will use their professional judgment regarding symptomatic students for all illnesses and will follow the medical protocols put into place by the district. We will not require PCR testing to return to school, though it may be recommended. All of this is our plan with the caveat that expectations may change if the DOH offers different guidance based on fluctuations in the pandemic.  PPE will be available to all students and staff members.  The link below has the details, with a particular letter for parents and caregivers. We have COVID tests available for all families. You may pick them up in the building offices or at the District Office.

    Schools & Youth | Department of Health (ny.gov)

     

    I am here to serve and support you, so please reach out as you find need.  Thank you for partnering with us in our mission to educate and motivate our students to be successful, responsible citizens!
    Sincerely,

    Dr. Donna Runner
    Superintendent