Dear Parents and Guardians:
Our district has been closely following guidance on COVID-19. District administrators have been meeting with and receiving regular updates from the Saratoga County Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department.
It’s important to note, while the district
does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, in an abundance of caution we have made several decisions to help minimize the spread of the virus in our school community.
Beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 10, the Galway Central School District will be doing the following:
• Canceling all field trips, including walking field trips
• Canceling all co-curricular travel
• Suspending the use of the school facilities by any outside groups
• Suspending parent volunteers in the school buildings
In addition, please note the following events have been canceled or postponed:
Canceled
• Pee Wee Wrestling
• Karate
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• PTSA Dance
• Men's Basketball League
• Odyssey of the Mind
• Special Olympics
• Travel Youth and AAU Basketball
• Therapy Dogs
• Travel Youth Soccer
• Galway Players Community Players Rehearsals
Postponed
• March 20: Galway Alumni Presentation
• March 24: Friends of Music Meeting
• March 24: Jr. Sr. High School Shared Decision Meeting
• April 3, 4, 5: School Drama Production
Athletics
"The New York State Public Athletic Association has issued the following statement: Effective immediately, in an abundance of caution, we have made the decision that all of our member schools must postpone all scrimmages, non-league and league contests until April 19, 2020."
Our athletes will be able to practice.
Families will be notified of any changes that will occur post-April break as we continue to monitor the situation over the next four weeks.
Cleaning and disinfection practices continue
District personnel are cleaning all individual desks in the district every evening. We also continue to take normal flu season precautions to disinfect and sanitize the school buildings, specifically common touch points such as door knobs and hardware, hand railings, etc. Buses are also a focus of disinfection. A collective effort is being made by the custodial staff to take these cleaning precautions both during and after-school hours, as well as on the weekends.
Closure of schools
The local health department will notify schools if and when a school must close due to COVID-19 and when a school can reopen.
Schools are not expected to make decisions about closing schools due to COVID- 19 on their own, and will seek specific guidance from the state or local health officials to determine if, when, and for how long to take these steps.
Again, the decisions outlined in this letter have been taken in an abundance of caution to keep the safety of our students and staff a priority. Our ability to effectively limit exposure to COVID-19, as well as thoroughly clean the school buildings every evening are our two main goals. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.
Brita Donovan
Superintendent of Schools