2019-20 COVID Information


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COVID RESOURCES

 
FAMILY RESOURCES

Events Page Meal Schedule/Balances
Mental Health Resources
Letter from Student Services
regarding CSE, CPSE meetings
FAQs Childcare Options
If You Are Sick Top Home Learning Resources
Help with healthcare 7-12 Learning Plan
  FAQ on 9-12 grading (May 13)
  FAQ Elementary (April 28)
  Tech FAQ for Students/Families
  Community Behavioral
Health Resources


Home Learning Resources
can be found on the individual school pages


Link to Our Schools
MOST RECENT UPDATES FROM WICSD

May 13, 2020: Grading for 9-12 FAQ

Click the link to read Questions & Answers about topics such as grading, final exams, summer school credit recovery and more.

 May 6, 2020: IHS Stadium (turf/field) to close

STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT, DR. AARON JOHNSON:

Starting Thursday, May 7th, all district athletic fields, facilities and playgrounds are closed with the exception of the track/grass field on the main campus. This closure now includes the IHS Stadium (turf field). Last weekend's sunny weather attracted a high density of people to the turf, which we expected. Being proactive, we scheduled additional security in an attempt to follow statewide guidelines on limiting group gatherings. Despite our efforts, some residents and visitors congregated in large groups to organize competition sports. These actions are not permissible and jeopardizes both the individuals' health and that of our community. For now, the track/grass field remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. pending it’s safe use and adherence to proper social distancing."


May 1, 2020: Letter from the Superintendent 

Dear Families,

I hope this letter finds you and your children doing well. Our students continue to progress thanks to the efforts of you, our staff and leadership team. The questions and feedback we've gathered from our Town Halls, phone calls and emails have helped us to grow and refine our practices in at-home learning and working remotely. Kudos to the many staff members working hard to support this work and continued thanks for your partnership and everything you're doing to facilitate learning in your home.

Today, Governor Cuomo dropped big news by closing school buildings for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. This decision leaves many with mixed emotions, but now that we know, we can confidently move forward with our plans through June. Loose ends, such as how to manage significant building events and activities, can now be finalized and communicated. Staff members can map out curriculum and instruction through the end of the school year to determine important factors, including resources and pacing.

Still, the decision comes with obstacles. Social, emotional and mental health will continue to be a worry. The major events and activities will look different, and the door is now shut on spring athletics. For all of this, I am sorry – especially for our seniors. We are committed to overcoming these challenges with you, and we will. We have a tremendous amount of creativity and spirit in our students, staff and community, and together we will inspire each other to do our best. We will make sure we create extraordinary moments and wonderful memories along the way.

Please continue to maintain your social distance and stay masked when in public. We have come this far and need to make sure we don't let a sunny weekend or lapse in our collective judgment to erase the progress we've had in tackling this horrible illness.

 With gratitude,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools

 April 28, 2020: FAQs from K-6 Town Hall Meeting  

Thank you to all West Irondequoit families who were able to participate in the online survey or Facebook Live Town Hall Meeting held on Tuesday, April 21. Please click the below to read the Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) we have developed from that.  

FAQ from April 21 K-6 Facebook Live Town Hall


April 24, 2020: Updates around the District  
CLICK VIDEO ABOVE TO WATCH MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT, DR. AARON JOHNSON

TUESDAY’S 7-12 TOWN HALL MEETING

Grades 7-12 families: Please join us for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. It will be broadcast on Facebook Live. We held one this week for K-6 families and received great feedback. All 7-12 families were emailed a link to a form to submit questions prior to Tuesday.

Access the Facebook page Tuesday via this link: facebook.com/WestIrondequoitCSD/

 COMPUTER/DEVICE SUPPORT ON OUR SITE

Our Information Technology Dept. has been addressing questions as fast as it can in recent weeks about issues families may have at home with school-issued computers/devices. IT has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) to hopefully assist many of you with familiar issues.

SECOND GRADE LAPTOP PICKUP

Parents/guardians of second-graders can pick up their child’s laptop on Wednesday, April 29th. Please see the schedule below and bring identification to our drive-thru style pickup at your child’s school. If you cannot make it during your designated time, please contact your building principal.

  • 8 AM to 10 AM: Colebrook, Listwood, Seneca
  • 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Briarwood, Brookview, Southlawn

HONORS & RANKINGS

West Irondequoit received some good news this week on two fronts. We moved up in three key categories in the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings on high schools nationwide. We also found out Irondequoit HS and two elementary schools, Brookview and Listwood, have earned Recognition School honors from the NYS Education Department.


 April 17, 2020: Letter from the Superintendent 

Dear West Irondequoit Families,

I hope this letter finds your family safe and healthy in what continues to be troublesome times. As we close out the fifth week of school closure, it’s refreshing to hear news from the governor that the daily reports of COVID-19 cases are gradually subsiding. Hopefully, this provides some sense of vindication that the sacrifices you have made are paying dividends.

Despite the governor's nod to the future, we are hearing from local elected officials and medical advisors that it is hard to imagine re-opening our buildings for classes this school year. Based on this week’s Executive Order, schools will now remain closed through May 15. I know it’s hard to imagine sustaining this quarantine and maintaining our social distance but the vigilance and discipline you have demonstrated has carried us this far. It has helped flatten the curve and reduce the strain on our healthcare system. We crave social interaction and the loving connections that define our relationships, but we must stay the course. Please remain focused to stay at home and keep your social distance so that we can once again feel the warmth of one another's presence and hear the voices of our students filling our classrooms. We miss them!

Our first week of shifting to learning new material at home is in the books. Teachers have been busy establishing structures and routines as a first step to pave the way moving forward. You are all pitching in and filling roles to support instruction and finding ways to get the job done. Our faculty is checking in with families to give support and navigate obstacles as best we can. Given all this, it is critical to keep it all in perspective. Teaching and learning are happening like never before. The transition has been swift. Every situation is different, and we know everyone is doing their best, given their own set of circumstances at home. We have to keep pushing ourselves but stay connected to the reality of the situation. Physical, mental and emotional health HAS to be our No. 1 priority.

Please see below for more updates and click this link for an update on grading.

Gratefully,

Aaron R. Johnson

Superintendent of Schools

UPCOMING TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Hopefully, you’ve seen announcements about our Virtual K-6 Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 that will be broadcast on Facebook Live. Access that page at this link (you do not need to have a Facebook account to view it): facebook.com/WestIrondequoitCSD/

K-6 families received the an email Wednesday asking you for questions/feedback. Thank you to those who have already submitted responses. Below is a summary of questions/feedback we’ve already received. We will do our best to address as much as possible Tuesday. We have scheduled a Grades 7-12 Town Hall for Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. (also Facebook Live). A link to submit 7-12 questions/feedback will be emailed next week.

Most Asked or Commented on:

  • What are the plans for summer support or for the start of next school year? (Concerns regarding remediation, skill gaps, readiness for next grade, etc.)
  • Can we provide more direct instruction or more instructional videos/tutorials? (Overwhelmingly, there was a trend of asking for direct instruction from teachers, whether recorded or zoom meetings)

Frequently Asked or Commented on:

  • How can we continue to streamline communication and instruction across grade levels, content areas and buildings to promote consistency and clarity?
  • How can we continue to streamline our use of educational technology? (Resources/programs used, equity and access, reduction in need for printing, clarity regarding submission of student work)
  • How will we support students in transition years? (Support for transitions in grades 3-4, 6-7 and 8-9)

MORE SUPPORTS ADDED TO OUR SITE

The University of Rochester Medical Center has provided us with resources that we have posted on the Coronavirus Closure page at our site. It includes phone numbers and website links to help in crisis situations and for mental/physical health. Access it by clicking on "Community Behavioral Health Resources" in the grid above or here.

HELP OUR TOWN, WIN $500

The Town of Irondequoit will give a $500 prize to whoever wins its Naming Contest for the new 157-unit senior living community at the site of the former Irondequoit Mall. It’s the most comprehensive redevelopment project of that critical site in our town. Deadline is May 15.

 
 
April 10, 2020: Letter from the Superintendent

Greetings West Irondequoit Families, 

We have made it through Week 4 thanks to everyone's efforts! Having schools directed to continue instruction over vacation was an unexpected curveball that left little time to react. Fortunately, our Board of Education, leadership, exemplary staff and you had a rock-solid plan already in place and ready to take on the next challenge. I find myself always fighting the urge to describe our current state as “unprecedented” or the “new normal,” but yes, we made monumental shifts in our lives overnight. A swift and drastic change like that can only be executed by working together, being flexible, remaining patient and maintaining hope. Thank you for helping us to check all the boxes!

This week yielded some significant guidance for schools. First, Governor Cuomo extended the closure until April 29 to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, the New York State Board of Regents cancelled all June 2020 Regents examinations. An overview is included with this communication (SEE BELOW). More details about its impact on specific students will come via the school. West Irondequoit is committed to supporting students and you in every way, sharing ongoing state guidance to ensure the needs of all are addressed. It will not be easy. Your continued collaboration is critical to helping students reach their peak performance in different ways and on their own timetables.

On Monday, April 13, all classes begin new learning information at home. Depending on your teacher and the class, some students may have already made this transition. We know this is challenging and you may have lingering questions. Thanks to our dedicated staff, our own plans are continually evolving to improve. We don't have all the answers. Again, patience is key. Dialogue with your child's teacher(s), staff and administrators is encouraged. Ask questions, seek clarification and if you need help, please reach out. Together, we are West Irondequoit strong!

Below are additional reminders about the transition to at-home:

  • Our goal is to provide continued learning that is equitable and accessible to ALL students. Learning will be flexible to allow families to navigate their unique circumstances at home.
  • Learning and assessment moving forward will be standards-based. Teachers will make decisions on the most appropriate way to assess and provide feedback to students on their progress towards those standards. These learning standards have always been the guide for our teacher's instructional plans.
  • Students are expected to engage in learning regularly. It is essential, regardless of where the learning takes place.
  • Seniors: Irondequoit HS is committed to your success and we are exploring creative ways to make your final year meaningful and unique despite this pandemic. More details to come!
  • We can only speculate about the duration of this school closure. Behind the scenes, every building's administrative team and staff are planning for the worst while hoping for the best. The uncertainty creates anxiety and frustration. Plans are underway to address as many questions as possible via online town hall-style meetings.

In closing, I have enjoyed seeing social media posts by faculty, staff and families about their continued learning. Seeing these moments lifts me up and helps me feel connected. It is great to see that our learning community is alive and well! Hold the line on staying home. Maintain your social distance and remain creative in sustaining all the relationships that make West Irondequoit so unique!

Gratefully,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

REGENTS EXAM UPDATE

The NYS Regents acted this week to exempt students from the 2020 June Regents Examinations. Students who were scheduled to take a Regents exam in June of 2020 are exempted from those exam requirements. This also applies to Level 1 and Level III World Language examinations. Students must complete course requirements, aligned to NYS Learning standards, in order to fulfill course credit requirements. 

AP examination information will be sent to families of AP students soon. AP exams are following a revised format and can be done in a 45-minute sitting. Dual-enrollment courses through MCC or RIT may have additional examination requirements that will be communicated by the course instructor. Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to a teacher or principal.

WHERE TO GET AT-HOME LEARNING MATERIAL

  • Grades 7-12: Student course-specific learning materials can be accessed through Schoology.
  • Grades 4-6: Student material is on Schoology and a summary is posted for parents/guardians at the Rogers and Iroquois websites.
  • Grades K-3: Teachers email home learning materials. Additional resources are available at K-3 building websites. Go to: https://westirondequoit.org/directory/our_schools
  • AT-HOME SERVICE PROVIDERS (K-12): Materials emailed home on Wednesdays.

NEED HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE?

If this global health crisis has impacted your family’s health insurance and you need help, you must apply through NY State of Health. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov. For more information or if you have questions call (518) 486-9102 or email [email protected].

COMING SOON: LIVE (REMOTE) TOWN HALL MEETINGS

We know there are questions about school events, grading, athletics and performing arts, etc. and they vary by grade levels. Next week we will announce dates for multiple Facebook Live (remote) town-hall style meetings and a few days prior to each we will seek your input on what you’d like addressed. Our team will provide information and feedback during the live sessions.

 April 8, 2020: New restrictions for turf/track use

Due to the pandemic and following guidance from Monroe County officials, we are immediately restricting the use of Irondequoit High School’s turf field, track and other fields. If guidelines are not followed for the rest of this week (through Sunday, April 12), WICSD may close the facilities. Our security team and Irondequoit Police will monitor and enforce these rules:

  • Track open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; turf open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Only solitary/independent use (no groups)
  • No more than 20 people at one time
  • No contact sports/games of any kind
  • Practice social distancing (remain 6 feet apart)

Note: The turf/track are currently the only facilities that remain open. All other buildings, playgrounds and facilities are closed. Thank you for your cooperation. To reach WICSD security, call (585) 703-6405.

 April 3, 2020: Letter from the Superintendent


Dear West Irondequoit Families,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. As we close out our third week of school closure, like you, we are slowly making sense of what is becoming our new normal – for now. More clarification continues to come from state and local agencies that help us formulate a plan moving forward. Now that we are past the initial surge, you will notice school communications coming in a more routine and organized way. The past few weeks, we processed the information late into Friday afternoons so we could provide the most current updates to you. Moving forward, expect communication to you on Fridays from myself, principals and staff.

Next week was previously planned to be spring break. Last Monday, Gov. Cuomo clarified his expectations by directing schools to continue providing at-home learning materials and meals during breaks. I know this is not ideal and comes at the 11th hour. Our staff worked very hard this week to deliver new plans to carry children through this time. Beginning on Monday, April 13th, all teachers will begin offering plans that include the learning of new information at home. Expect a transition in plans between now and then based on the readiness of each class.

We know our schools statewide remain closed until Wednesday, April 15. In listening to updates from local officials, we expect that to extend at least through April. Our staff is now reorganizing their classes to align with this new timeline. Also, every building is looking at the remaining significant events, activities and milestones to plan accordingly. We do not have all of the answers but will provide information to students and families as soon as we can.

Remember, our district website has a considerable amount of supplemental COVID-19-related information along with copies of all prior communication. If you cannot find what you are looking for there, please contact your child's principal or me. We are happy to help. Please read the attached document with key updates, including on how to view the latest at-home learning material from our team (via your child’s school website) to help you.

Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time. Together we will remain strong, and together we will rise to overcome.

In support,

Aaron Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

March 27, 2020: Options for home internet access 

March 25, 2020: Options for home internet access 

West Irondequoit is working to ensure internet connectivity for all students during our school closure. It has enhanced Wi-Fi access from four specific locations and its guest network is now open 24/7 instead of specific hours. Those locations (click for a map):

  1. Rogers/Southlawn’s south (teacher) parking lot
  2. Irondequoit High School’s southwest (teacher) parking lot and stadium area
  3. Listwood School’s north (teacher) parking lot
  4. Iroquois Middle School’s west (teacher) parking lot

Spectrum (844-488-8395) has offered local families with students lacking Wi-Fi access free installation and no billing on their basic plan for 60 days. Cancellation within 60 days results in no fees.

The Town of Irondequoit Public Library has ordered mobile hotspots to loan to Irondequoit students in need of access. The library hopes to receive these by mid-April. Once received, instructions on how to sign one out will be provided by the library.

Wi-Fi may also be accessed from the Irondequoit Public Library parking lot. Patrons are asked to be mindful of first responder services sharing that space.


 March 24, 2020: Infinite Campus Parent Portal Help

For parents/guardians who need to set up their Infinite Campus Parent Portal account, which is how you can email with teachers, please email the data team members below. In your email, include a copy of your driver’s license and any relevant contact information. This is necessary for identification purposes. If you have an existing account and are having issues signing in or questions and concerns, email the data team and they will respond promptly:

IF YOU DON'T HAVE INTERNET AT HOME

We want to help ensure that all students have online access at home. If your family does NOT have Internet Access at home, please call our Tech Helpline at (585) 336-3113. Leave your name, your child’s name, their grade, their school and your phone number. We are working with community partners to help provide temporary online access at home. 

 March 23, 2020: Playgrounds closed

In collaboration with the Town of Irondequoit and the East Irondequoit schools, all playgrounds at West Irondequoit schools are closed until further notice. Our track and athletic fields remain open for individual use only (no group gatherings). All residents are cautioned to practice safe social distancing. We appreciate your cooperation. 


March 20, 2020: Superintendent Letter


Dear West Irondequoit Families:

I hope this update finds you healthy and well. As this crisis unfolds, the importance of community grows. It is impressive to watch Irondequoit and the greater Rochester area mobilize to meet the challenge. There is no roadmap, but together we will remain strong.

Knowing that our schools are closed through April 1, below is a list of critical updates regarding our plans. I will provide weekly updates similar to this on Fridays as needed. Our staff remains committed to welcoming, nurturing and inspiring your children to peak performance and is here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact our team or me with questions or needs.

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

REMINDER ABOUT SCHOOL/FACILITY ACCESS

The WICSD is closed to students and the community. Staff access to professional materials is scheduled through building administrators to manage the timing and social distancing. During this crisis, we recognize that safe access to outside facilities is important. Our stadium, fields and outside facilities will remain open for public use with the understanding that appropriate social distancing and personal hygiene are expected. This includes following the guidance of the New York State Department of Health to keep at least a 6 feet distance from others (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANS

PARENT-PORTAL MESSAGES: During the duration of our closure teachers will reach out to students with information relative to class work and more. For that information, please monitor your Student/Parent Portal account and look under Messages. Click on each message to read the detail. Questions should be directed back to your child’s teacher.

DISTRICT INFORMATION: Please continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) page on our district site. That is where you’ll find ALL critical information and documents in one spot. Our Facebook and Twitter feeds will take you there for the latest. Questions can always be directed to our Director of Public Information, Jeff DiVeronica, who monitors feedback. Our CORONAVIRUS CLOSURE PAGE. Link: bit.ly/COVID_WICSD

HOME LEARNING TOOLS

Our staff has been busy working on the best ways to offer home-learning options during this closure. Communication will be ongoing, please check your email and make sure your family/student contact information is correct in the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus. We also plan to offer educational content, including videos and more, on our District website and social media channels.

UPDATE ON ASSESSMENTS

The State Education Dept. has offered this, thus far, about testing:

  • Any assessment scheduled during closure, including the NYSAA, grades 3-8 ELA and Math and Sciences, is suspended for the remainder of the school year.
  • NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12 is also suspended for the remainder of the school year.
  • For courses that end in a Regents exam, we are awaiting additional information and guidance. We do know that students will be able to earn full course credit and sit for exams if the closure impacts course or lab requirements.
  • For AP and Dual Enrollment courses, we continue to work with our partners (the AP College Board, MCC and RIT) in order to adapt and adjust so that students are best prepared for end or year assessments.

DAILY MEAL TIMES/SITES MODIFIED

Starting Tuesday, March 24th, we are streamlining our free meal service, so students do not need to make two trips daily. Instead of serving breakfast and lunch at different times, we’ll offer both meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The idea: Each day when a student grabs their lunch to go, they can take home the next day’s non-perishable breakfast. Also, based on service this week, we are eliminating the Parkside and Helmer Nature Center locations. There are still six sites. Click to see full details on our website. http://bit.ly/COVID_WICSD

CHILDCARE OPTIONS

WEST IRONDEQUOIT: In addition, our district has been in contact with two daycare providers in West Irondequoit. Inspire Learning and Childcare, 300 Pattonwood Drive, has openings. Call Jennifer Price for more information at (585) 444-1977. As of this communication, Forever Friends Daycare, 95 Stanton Lane, is closed, but staff is potentially available to provide in-home daycare. To inquire about availability, call Margaret Mary Stenzel at (585) 342-1701.

TOP PRIORITY: Students whose parents/guardians are first responders or healthcare providers should contact their child’s principal by email if they need assistance. Servicing these families is a top priority. Principals will support them in securing childcare placements.

ROCHESTER YMCA: In support of our families during this difficult shift in dynamic, the YMCA of Rochester has partnered with schools to offer Emergency Child Care. Click the link for more information: https://rochesterymca.org/community-buildings/response-to-covid-19/

IHS MUSICAL PREP CONTINUES

This Irondequoit High School musical this spring, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” was scheduled to start on March 26th. It has been postponed, but in hopes of the production being rescheduled late May, the cast and crew has been using technology and other tools to rehearse remotely but together. “This cast really is remarkable,” says WICSD elementary music teacher and musical director, Mr. Robert Line. “I can’t wait for our community to eventually see them perform the show.”


March 16, 2020: Superintendent Letter


Dear West Irondequoit Families,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well. The past few days have been stressful and worrisome for all. Working through this crisis, I am grateful for Irondequoit’s caring community and our wonderfully dedicated staff. Below is a summary plan of action. Specific details were emailed Monday by building principals.  

MEALS

West Irondequoit will serve daily drive-thru style, free breakfast and lunch starting Tuesday, March 17 at eight locations. Our mission: Provide food for any child, regardless of income. See the schedule at our website.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

Information is available at MonroeCounty.gov. There are community resources, including food for families, at the Irondequoit Community Cupboard, 4275 Culver Rd; irondequoitcommunitycupboard.org/

INSTRUCTION

Our staff has worked tirelessly to organize learning materials for all K-12 students. We know providing guaranteed instruction for all throughout this crisis is nearly impossible. Instead, supplemental enrichment materials are now available (hardcopy or electronic, depending on grade). Many teachers will offer “office hours” via Zoom Video using student laptops. Clarification about that is forthcoming from principals.  

We know courses that are needed for graduation, Advanced Placement and Regents examinations are of high priority. As we learn more about the duration of this closure, we will do our best to provide meaningful learning opportunities. First, though, we must first focus on student and community health and wellness. 

For resources related to meals, learning, supports, etc. during this closure, go to https://www.westirondequoit.org/

BUILDING ACCESS

District buildings and facilities are closed until further notice, but schedules have been created for Tuesday, March 17, for students to retrieve items from lockers and pick up laptops, and medication. Please look for times by grade level and/or alphabetically via emails from your principals. After Tuesday, questions on access to items should be emailed to your child's principal. 

All District and building CSE and CPSE meetings are suspended until further notice. Student Services will reschedule meetings promptly once students return to school. The Safe School Helpline offers an automated service to report concerns 24 hours a day. Calls are confidential and can by anonymous: Call 1-800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359 (1-800-418-6423) or TEXT the word “TIPS” to 66746. 

Our school leaders will continue to update our website and check emails throughout this crisis, and together we will get through it. West Irondequoit is a resilient community. We will support one another. 

Warm regards, 
Aaron Johnson, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools

March 14, 2020: Superintendent Letter

SCHOOL CLOSED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Dear Families:

With guidance from Monroe County and state health officials and effective starting Monday, March 16th, the West Irondequoit Central School District is closed to students until further notice.This is a result of the latest information in our area about the coronavirus (COVID-19). That also means all school-related activities, including sports and extra-curricular activities, are suspended.

All staff are asked to report on Monday for preparation and planning. More detailed information about food, social supports and home learning is forthcoming. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We will continue to work hard to ensure strong communication and collaboration with our families.

Monroe County health officials and school leaders will review this on a week-to-week basis. For updates, please visit the COVID-19 INFORMATION page our website at www.westirondequoit.org.

NOTE: This closure includes all Community Education classes and any use of WICSD facilities.

Sincerely,

Aaron Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

March 13, 2020: Superintendent letter

Dear Families,

As the information regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) continues to develop, we want to make sure you remain well-informed. District communication to you will include prompt updates as the circumstances and guidance changes. Please remember, we all must rely on credible facts and guidance from governing authorities like the Center for Disease Control, State of New York and Monroe County Department of Public Health.

Thursday you received notice that West Irondequoit has canceled until further notice:

  • School-related student and staff travel, both international and domestic.
  • Large, public school-sponsored events

To clarify, the cancellation of school-related student and staff travel will be through May 1, 2020. School-sponsored travel after this date is subject to the circumstances at that time.

Schools closing has moved to the forefront of the community conversation. Please know that this decision must be directed by the Monroe County Department of Public Health and/or the State of New York. If a public school district decides to close outside of the guidance of these authorities, that District will be subject to a loss of New York State aid. State aid plays a significant role in funding our programs and services. Based on the guidance we have been given, a school will close for the following reasons:

  1. There is a confirmed case of COVID-19 found in a school
  2. There is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Irondequoit community of unknown origin or what is known as "community transmission." That means the transmission of the COVID-19 cannot be traced back to a particular global region of concern or person.

Governor Cuomo is directing any school with a confirmed COVID-19 case to close for at least 24 hours so it can undergo deep cleaning and sanitation. The school would decide with local health officials on the duration of the closure. Some schools are prepping parents for a possible Superintendent's Conference Day next week to prepare for closure. West Irondequoit is not for two reasons.

  • Plans should be made for childcare in the event of a closure and families need time to plan.
  • If schools are directed to close, every day leading up to that is a precious day of instruction. We cannot afford to lose this time. Instead, our instructional leaders and staff are working to organize materials and resources. We understand that during the closure, health and wellness is the priority. We will do everything in our power to offer educational materials for students to continue their learning but know that such a situation disadvantages some. Students will be expected to use the materials as they can. Upon return, staff will work to assess the situation and make curricular decisions as needed to ensure students are prepared to earn credit, advance to the next grade level and take Regents, AP, and other exams.

In closing, we are doing everything we can to manage this situation and we appreciate your patience. Our administrative team is available to answer questions and provide support. Understanding this situation may create stress and anxiety, we have added a new document to our COVID-19 materials on our website to support you and your child in managing this. Contact your child's school counselor or principal if needed.

Sincerely,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

March 12, 2020: Superintendent letter

Dear Families,

To begin, thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration with our schools. We appreciate the trust you have in our team to make the best decisions for the health and safety of students and staff. Decision-making for the District is ongoing as new information continues to develop.

Attached to this email is the communication we planned for Friday morning. In light of today’s press conference by the Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health, Dr. Michael Mendoza, we are sending it now with updates. Our team is in regular communication with Dr. Mendoza, Monroe County officials and local superintendents. Based on the latest guidance, we are implementing the following changes until further notice:

  • International and Domestic school-sponsored travel by students and staff are suspended
  • As of 5 p.m. today (Thursday, March 12) and until further notice, all large school-sponsored public gatherings are canceled

Remember, if you suspect your child is showing symptoms of illness or is sick, contact your physician and keep your child home pending their medical guidance.

Our leadership team and staff are actively planning for a possible break in instruction. If this occurs, students will access supplemental instructional materials with additional supports. A plan for students to access daily meals is also underway. A decision to close would result from the guidance of the Monroe County Department of Public Health and the State of New York. Instruction will continue as planned until they direct schools to close or a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified within our district.

Thank you again for your partnership and active support. Please contact the District Office at 585-342-5500 with any questions and a member of our administrative team return your call.

Sincerely,

Aaron R. Johnson, Ed. D

Superintendent of Schools

 March 12 COVID-19 FLYER

March 6, 2020: TO WICSD PARENTS/GUARDIANS

We are aware of concerns from people in our community and around the world about the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, and we want to assure you that district leaders and our head nurse are closely monitoring this fluid situation. We are following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the NYS Department of Health, as well as the Monroe County Department of Health and the State Education Department. No clubs or groups of students from West Irondequoit are scheduled to travel internationally during spring break in April. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.

NOTIFICATION

The Monroe County Health Department will contact any school district if a known COVID-19 case emerges. If the district becomes aware that a student or staff member is diagnosed, it will notify staff and parents/guardians. If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, we will follow our current practices for handling respiratory illnesses.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

In addition to following and urging safer hygiene, West Irondequoit has infectious disease protocols in place and has taken steps, such as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout buildings, to minimize the spread of illnesses.

TIPS TO FOLLOW

Here are good reminders for everyone:  

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid close contact with sick people; stay home when you are sick. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw out the tissue. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

If a family member shows symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspects it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Prior to arriving at your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice. 

RESOURCES TO HELP

 New York State hotline: 888-364-3065
 Trauma, Illness and Grief (TIG) in Schools
 Monroe County Department of Health page
 New York State Department of Health page
 Travel, Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
 What Are Causes of COVID-19?



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