Dear Families,
This letter contains important information from our district about: Fall-Winter Events, COVID-19 Protocol Updates & Reminders, RCS COVID-19 Testing Consent Form, Upcoming Important Dates, Student Work When in Quarantine, Social Media & Appropriate Student Behavior Letter, and Winter Sports.
All the information in this letter, from past letters and more, can be found on our website.
Fall-Winter Events: As we move through the fall you will see an increase in events for our students, staff, and families. These events, both indoors and outdoors, will include celebrations, recognitions, sporting events, concerts, field trips, and more. We are excited to come back together. Safety protocols may look a little different for each event based on the setting and circumstances in order to help us limit possible exposure of participants and spectators. Limiting the spread and keeping our schools open will continue to be our priority.
COVID-19 Protocol Updates & Reminders: We let families know last week about updates to the COVID-19 protocol for RCS, that information can be found here. The biggest change being: When a student or staff member is ill with COVID-19 related symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, they must either provide a negative COVID-19 lab test result (PCR or NAAT - not a "rapid" test) or alternative diagnosis from a physician or complete a 10-day isolation (students only) in order to return to school/work. We have created the COVID-19 Illness, Isolation, and Quarantine Guidance Charts to help families understand this guidance. Please remember that if a student or staff member is sick, they should not come to school/work that day. You can access the NYS Department of Health guide to exposure and contact tracing here.
RCS COVID-19 Testing Consent Form: Last week we sent home via email a COVID-19 Testing Consent Form that will allow us to test your student for COVID-19 at school for screening and/or diagnostics purposes. You can find more information here. If students are vaccinated, they will still be able to participate in any of the offered testing, parents will still need to complete a consent form for their student to be tested. Families can opt in or opt out of the testing at any time. The company that makes the test has provided information about the saliva-based test for parents here and a FAQ here. If you are not able to locate the form and are unable to print it from our website, please contact your child’s main office for another copy. Please submit this consent form as soon as possible, testing will begin soon. Families will be notified before testing begins.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Tuesday, November 2: Staff Development Day - No students in attendance
Thursday, November 11: Veterans Day - No School
Friday, November 12: End of the first marking period for MS/HS and end of the first trimester for PK-5
Wed., November 24 - Fri., November 26: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Tuesday, November 30: Parent Conferences, early dismissal for student PK - grade 8.
Student Work When in Quarantine: If a student is out of school because they are in isolation awaiting quarantine, or have been placed in quarantine by the Department of Health, they will be provided with work by their teacher(s). This may include, but is not limited to: digitized work through Google Classroom, meeting during office hours, or completing alternate assignments. If work has not been provided, please contact your student’s teacher(s) directly.
Important Letter to Families Regarding Social Media & Appropriate Student Behavior: Last week we sent home a letter to families asking them to speak with their students about appropriate behavior and social media use in regards to school. We will continue to reiterate that the RCS School District will not tolerate any destructive, dangerous, and damaging actions to property, students, staff, or any combination. Our top priority is keeping our staff and students safe. You can find a copy of last week’s letter here.
Winter Sports: We sent home information regarding winter sports registration to qualifying grades via email, you can find that information on our website here. Winter sports registration is now open for all winter sports.
Thank you for your support of our students, staff, and community. If you have any questions about anything covered in the letter, please reach out to your student’s building for clarification. Thank you and have a great weekend,
Brian Bailey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools