Community Letter - Reopening of Schools, August 13, 2021

Community Letter - Reopening of Schools, August 13, 2021

Port Jervis Learning Community, 

The purpose of this letter is to provide our learning community with an update on the information and guidance we have received thus far regarding the opening of schools for the 2021-2022 school year.  Throughout the past several days, various entities have released guidance and notices that impact the protocols and plans that will be implemented as our students return to school on September 2, 2021.  We are in the process of reviewing all of the documents and guidance to best prepare for ongoing consultation with our medical director, school attorneys, and Reopening Committee to finalize reopening plans.  

The above notwithstanding, I want to share a few of the fundamental and central priorities that have been discussed with the Board of Education and Reopening Committee: 

  • The health and safety of our entire learning community is the top priority
  • In-person instruction is the optimal educational model

Based on these central tenets, our plan will include the following: 

  • Physical distancing protocols that will align with the guidance to minimize exposure and significantly reduce the need for quarantining
  • Cleaning, disinfecting, and hygiene protocols will continue to adhere to the recommended protocols
  • The use of masks will align with the guidance to the greatest extent practicable to reduce the need for quarantining

I understand that there are “recommendations” and “requirements” in the various guidance documents that represent a concern and in some instances a level of frustration.  Please know that we are exhausting all resources to fully process all of this information, develop the best plan for all involved, with the clear objective to provide in-person instruction for all students, five days per week, in the safest learning environment possible.  

I am including links to two of the primary documents that are being used by school districts to develop plans for September: 

CDC Guidance 
NYSED Health and Safety Guide

Additionally, please find the attached copy of the August 12, 2021 Public Health Notice issued by Orange County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Gelman.

We will continue to provide updates with the reopening plan development as we prepare to welcome everyone back into the schools in September. 

Thank you for the continued support and patience.  
Mike Rydell 

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