I hope that everyone enjoyed the recent break and is ready for the New Year! On Wednesday, December 29, Governor Hochul addressed superintendents across NYS on the topic of COVID-19 testing. As one way to proactively address the spread of the virus over the recent break, the state has distributed tests to schools, which are to provide them to families for at-home use.
All NYS school districts have been identified as distribution sites of these state-provided COVID-19 rapid tests. NYS already has sent test kits to our BOCES, which, in turn, has delivered them to each component district. Test kits have been delivered to GMU and are available for parent pick-up at school. Interested families may receive one kit for each child attending GMU.
Here are a few important items to note:
- Families are not required to pick up test kits; they are here if you are interested.
- Test kits may be picked up at GMU’s Main Entrance from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. on school days from January 3-14.
- Test kits also may be picked up at GMU’s Gymnasium Entrance from 5-8 p.m. January 4 and January 7 (home basketball games both nights).
- Test kits are for students only at this time (one kit per student).
- These test kits expire June 19, 2022.
- We do not know if the state will continue to distribute tests to us beyond this initial delivery.
- Families should not report test results to the district. However, in the event of a positive test, please keep your child home and contact your family physician or our School-Based Health Center (607-783-2250).
Keeping our students and staff in school for in-person learning in a safe manner continues to be a priority for the New York State Department of Health and for all of us at GMU. At this time, we have not received guidance from Public Health on recent NYSDOH updates regarding Test-to-Stay programs or quarantine parameters. Any future changes in our district’s practices will be communicated as they are determined.
Thank you for your continued partnership in maintaining a safe school and community.
Sincerely,
Annette D. Hammond
GMU Superintendent
Posted 1/3/2022