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July 17, 2020

Dear Westminster Families,

I hope that you have been able to enjoy summer with your family.

As you know the New York State Education Department and the Office of the Governor have been issuing guidance on the return to school in September.  I want to let you know some of the ideas and work Westminster has been completing to ensure student safety.  No formal decision will be made until after August 7, when Governor Cuomo will announce if and when and if schools can reopen.

Plans:  We currently have three plans:  Full opening, Hybrid (2 days in school, 3 days virtual) and Fully Virtual. 

Temperature checks:  NYS is currently requiring temperature checks when students and staff the building.

Masks:  Masks will be worn by staff and students at all times.

Deep cleaning:  The building is being   deep cleaned and hand sanitizer stations have been filled and placed throughout the building.

Quarantine Space:  We will designate a quarantine space if any student/staff is sick or showing symptoms and we will continue to work closely with the on-site Kaleida staff.

Barriers:  We are working on installing plexiglass in the main office.

Classrooms:  We have measured and are placing desks and tables 6 feet apart which allows 12-15 students to be seated and stay socially distant.

Dining Hall:  Food service is working on a delivery plan, so students can eat in the classroom space and continue to receive the healthy, and delicious food the team prepares. We will also have a plan for meal pick up on days students are working virtually if needed.

Technology:  We are continuing to maintain Chromebooks and try to problem solve any issues families have encountered. Students will use the Chromebook issued to them during the year to avoid sharing.  We are continuing to work to find internet access or hotspots for those families in need.

Over the next two weeks we will be developing the full plan in connection with the state of New York guidelines and the Center for Disease Control. (CDC)

We will host a ZOOM for parents on July 23, 2020 at 9:30 to hear your needs and ideas.

Please use this link: 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71527059957?pwd=cjJKLzNqcm5nYVQ1bHY2ZkdGTnVudz09

Meeting ID: 715 2705 9957

Passcode: gGq1sS

Our overall goal is your child’s safety.  I look forward to our time with your children whether its virtual or in person.  I will continue to keep in touch as plans develop via the website and robocalls. 

Please stay safe and enjoy your time with your family.

All the best,

Rob Ross

Principal

Re-Opening Plan Development 2020 Timeline

May 6, 2020 – Administrative Team Brainstorm Reopening

June 19, 2020- First Parent Zoom Reopening Meeting 

June 22, 2020.- Staff Faculty Meeting

July 13, 2020 – NYS Board of Regents Re-opening Presentation Meeting

July 14, 2020- SED Guidance Released 

July 14.2020- Administrative Meeting to Review Document

July 16, 2020- School Teams read and review Guidance Document (Food service, SEL, Safety, Special Education and ENL)

July 20, 2020- Administrative Team meeting with Buffalo Public Schools

July 20, 2020- Second meeting with School Staff

July 20, 2020- Parent survey link regarding re-opening released

July 23, 2020- Second Parent meeting regarding re-opening

July 24, 2020- Westminster Re-entry plan sent to Westminster Board of Trustees

                        Board vote during the week of July 27, 2020

July 31, 2020- Re-opening Plan submitted to New York State

August 7, 2020- Governor Cuomo releases decision to re-open schools.

Week of August 14, 2020 Revision to any plan and communication with families and staff