Good afternoon Worcester Families,
As the Town of Worcester recovers from the terrible fire this weekend, I wanted to give you an update on the impact on school this week.
Now that the water conservation for Worcester has been lifted, we created a plan which was shared and approved by the Otesgo County Department of Health to ensure that school will resume tomorrow, Monday, April 4, 2022.
Students will notice that our drinking fountains and bottle fillers will be closed. Instead, drinking water stations with large, bottled water containers have been placed throughout the building. Students and staff may still wash their hands in the restrooms but should not drink the water from any faucets until further notice. In addition, our kitchen will utilize disposable trays, containers, and utensils for all student meals. Any water used for cooking or for washing dishes will be sterilized.
We know that maintaining a sense of normalcy and safely keeping our school in session is important. We look forward to seeing your children back at school tomorrow!
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
ARCHIVED MESSAGES BELOW:
3-24-22
Good afternoon Worcester Families,
I wanted to share some important updates.
Snow Day Give Back
As we head into spring hoping to avoid any more winter weather, WCS has unused snow emergency days. Traditionally, WCS has allowed for unused snow days to extend a recess period or a weekend when fewer than the allotted days have been used. As a result, WCS will allocate four unused snow days for the 2021-2022 school year and there will be no school on the following days:
- Monday, April 18, 2022
- Friday, April 29, 2022
- Friday, May 27, 2022
- Tuesday, May 31, 2022
- It is important to note that if WCS must close for a snow or other emergency situation, we will remove the additional day(s) from the list above as needed. We will be sure to communicate any changes should that become necessary.
Upcoming Events
- Come see our talented students at the Musical Cabaret, next Friday and Saturday, April 1st and 2nd from 7 to 9 p.m. in the WCS auditorium.
- Spring Open House will be Tuesday, April 5th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you as you visit with your child's teachers.
- The circus is coming to WCS! The Billy Martin's Cole All-Star Circus will perform Thursday, April 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the WCS gymnasium.
COVID-19
- For the second week in a row we have had 0 reported cases among students and staff! If you would like additional COVID-19 at home tests for your child please stop in the main office or request one from our nurse Chris Zaengle either by email or call 607-397-8785 ext. 126.
Have a great weekend!
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
Good afternoon Worcester Families,
Please see the following updates:
COVID-19 Positive Reporting
Since the last COVID-19 report on Friday 2/18/22, WCS has learned of 1 student who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Fitness Trail
At the close of the 2020-21 school year we surveyed parents, staff and students as to the impact of COVID-19. A strong majority of all participants indicated concern in the areas of the social and emotional well-being of our students. As a result, a portion of the American Rescue Plan Grant which was completed earlier this year included a fitness trail around the campus that will allow students to have a year-round exercise opportunity and an outdoor learning space. I am very happy to share that the grant was approved!
Aside from the numerous physical health benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics also indicates physical activity lessens stress, boosts self-esteem and improves a person’s overall sense of well-being. The completely grant funded fitness trail is also an excellent benefit for our Worcester Community to use when school is not in session. Proposed Trail Map, Fitness Trail Reference Images.
Returning From Winter Recess
Just a reminder as we return to school. The COVID-19 test kits sent home before Winter Recess can be used to test symptomatic or asymptomatic students prior to returning to school on Monday, February 28.
If your child tests positive or shows signs of COVID-19, please keep your child home and contact the school nurse, Chris Zaengle, at 607-397-8785 ext. 126.
We hope you each had a very safe and happy Winter Recess and we look forward to seeing our students back on Monday.
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
2-11-22
Good evening Worcester Families,
Please see the following updates:
COVID-19 Positive Reporting
Since the last COVID-19 report on Monday 2/7/22, WCS has learned of 4 students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Any person who was determined to be a direct contact and required to quarantine, has already been notified.
WCS Girls Varsity Basketball
The WCS Lady Wolverines will play in the Tri-Valley Championship game against Franklin, this Saturday at 5 p.m. The Laurens Central School District is the host of the game and will be streaming it live on their home page. Follow this link to watch: https://www.laurenscs.org/.
Thank You James Kenyon (JK)!
On behalf of all of us at WCS we would like to thank teacher, athletic director, coach, mentor and all-around amazing individual, James Kenyon (or JK) for his 41+ years of dedicated service. Over those years he has filled the minds and hearts of his students, athletes, colleagues, and the entire Worcester community. We wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement, and he will be greatly missed!
Winter Recess COVID-19 Test Kits
The WCS winter recess is February 21-25, 2022, with students returning to school Monday, February 28, 2022. During that time, we want to ensure that our families have access to COVID-19 test kits. We will be sending test kits home with each student at the end of next week for families to use prior to sending student(s) back to school.
It is important to note, testing participation is strictly optional and at family discretion. If you would like to opt out, and not receive a test kit for your child, please complete this form or notify your child’s principal by the close of school Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
If your child tests positive, please have your child stay at home and contact the school nurse, Chris Zaengle, at 607-397-8785 ext. 126.
Have a great weekend and good luck Lady Wolverines!
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
1-21-22
Good evening WCS Families,
Please see below for some important updates.
COVID-19 Positive Reporting
Since the last COVID-19 report earlier this week on 1/18/22 we have learned of 5 students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Anyone required to quarantine has already been contacted.
Additional COVID-19 Student Test Kits
Additional student test kits are available. For those families who have already received a test kit, you may pick up an additional test kit one per student in the WCS main office during the school day. Again, these kits can be used to test symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals through a simple nasal swab. Families are under no obligation to pick up a test kit.
School Climate Survey Invitation
As a reminder our school climate survey is still available for those who have not already responded. The survey is completely anonymous, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. We will use the results of the survey as a baseline to develop strategies, procedures, and/or programs to enhance our school climate.
I thank you for your time, and I hope you will support our effort to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all WCS students. WCS Climate Survey Link
Have a great weekend!
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
1-14-22
Good evening WCS Families,
Please see below for some important updates.
School Climate Survey Invitation
As we strive to ensure that WCS provides a safe and healthy learning environment for our students, we would like to know more about your experiences as a parent or guardian of a WCS student. We would like to invite you to take a brief survey which includes questions about your student’s learning, school safety, and interpersonal relationships, as well as your perceptions of our school environment. Your feedback is very important to us and will be helpful in improving student engagement, learning conditions, and the overall WCS school environment.
Please know, the survey is completely anonymous, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. We will use the results of the survey as a baseline to develop strategies, procedures, and/or programs to enhance our school climate.
I thank you for your time, and I hope you will support our effort to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all WCS students. WCS Climate Survey Link
COVID-19 Positive Reporting
Since the last COVID-19 report earlier this week on 1/10/22, we have learned of 7 students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Fortunately, most of the positive cases did not require others to quarantine, as the students have not been in school. Anyone required to quarantine has already been contacted.
Beginning the week of 1/18/22, we will report any new positive COVID-19 cases two times during the week. The first report will be the day returning from the weekend, and then again on Friday.
Community COVID -19 Test Kits and Masks
Worcester Central School is assisting the Department of Family Assistance in distributing test kits and N-95 masks for our greater community. WCS accepted an allotment of masks and COVID-19 test kits for community members and are collaborating with the Worcester Food Pantry. Masks and Test Kits are available (while supplies last) by appointment at the Worcester Food Pantry located at 178 Main St. Worcester, NY 12197. For an appointment, please call 607-397-1802.
COVID-19 Test Kits
As a reminder, student test kits are still available upon request in the WCS main office during the school day. Each WCS student will be given one ‘at home’ COVID-19 test kit. These kits can be used to test symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals through a simple nasal swab. Please note, families are under absolutely no obligation to pick up a test.
Booster Clinics
The next available booster clinic provided by Otsego County Department of Health is on January 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Schenevus Central School. Click to register for the Moderna Booster or for the Pfizer Booster.
As always, I thank you for your continued support and patience as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish you all a very safe and happy three-day weekend!
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
1-10-2022
Good evening,
This message will help to clarify the recent COVID-19 guidance which has been once again rapidly changing. The direction we received at the end of last week left us with many questions and some frustrations. However, this evening we received a memo from the New York State Department of Health which provides more clarity and a direction moving forward.
NYSDOH Guidance
The new guidance is as follows:
- Masking and Distancing: Both masking and distancing continue to be required in school settings.
- Quarantine Guidelines (Individuals who are exposed to someone with COVID-19)
- In-classroom activities: All fully vaccinated* individuals (students, teachers, and staff), who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 may continue to attend, or work at the school, regardless of booster status. Continued attendance applies only to participation in classroom activities and taking the bus to and from school. (*Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the receipt of either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of Johnson and Johnson vaccine or full course of any other recognized vaccine.)
- Extracurricular and after school activities: Students 12 years and older who are eligible for a booster but not boosted, and who have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, cannot participate in extracurricular or after school activities and, aside from school attendance for instruction and bus travel, must adhere to a 5-day quarantine at home. Fully vaccinated 5-11-year-old children are not eligible for a booster and have no further restrictions.
- Students, teachers, and staff who are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series and are a close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least 5 days. Outside the school setting, quarantine recommendations would apply.
- Isolation: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for a minimum of 5 days (regardless of vaccination status). If symptoms continue, further isolation will be required; otherwise, they may attend or work at school after the 5-day isolation.
COVID-19 Positives
Since the latest email this afternoon (1-10-22) we have learned of 2 more individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Any person who was determined to be a direct contact and required to quarantine, has already been notified.
COVID-19 Test Kits:
A reminder, tests are available upon request in the main office during the school day. Each WCS student will be given one ‘at home’ COVID-19 test. These kits can be used to test symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals through a simple nasal swab. Please note, families are under absolutely no obligation to pick up a test.
I want to thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we navigate the most recent changes. I am confident we are turning a corner in the pandemic and the new guidance leads me to believe we are headed slowly back to normal. Throughout these uncertain times the Worcester School Community has remained resilient, and I encourage us all to continue to hold on and to be Worcester Strong!
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
1-7-2022
Good afternoon Worcester Families,
I want to share some very important COVID-19 updates.
COVID-19 Positives
Today we learned of 6 students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Any individual who was determined to be a direct contact and required to quarantine, has already been notified.
Test Kits:
We have received our allotment of ‘at home’ COVID-19 test kits. The purpose of the tests is to help monitor and limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to be a resource for WCS families. Tests will be available upon request in the main office beginning Monday, January 10th, during the school day. Each WCS student will be given one ‘at home’ COVID-19 test. These kits can be used to test symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals through a simple nasal swab. Please note, families are under absolutely no obligation to pick up a test.
New Guidelines:
What to do if your child has symptoms of COVID-19
Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms and get tested as soon as possible (Rapid and PCR tests are acceptable).
Isolation:
You child tested positive on a rapid or PCR test?
If you perform an at home COVID-19 test which yields a positive result, you must immediately notify the Otsego County Department of Health by emailing all relevant contact information (name, address, phone number, etc) to [email protected]. Also, please contact Chris Zaengle at [email protected] or 607-397-8785 ext. 126. (Note: PCR tests are automatically reported to the DoH). - Regardless of vaccination status, isolate at home for 5 days.
- After 5 days, when you have no symptoms or your symptoms have resolved, are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication you may return to work.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves; this is without fever reducing medication for 24 hours.
- You must also stay home until your other symptoms are improving.
Quarantine:
If your child was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and has received a booster shot.
- They do not need to be quarantined but should wear a mask around others for ten days.
- Test on day five, if possible.
- If they develop symptoms, get a test as soon as possible and stay home.
If your child was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and is eligible for a booster but have not yet received it.
- Quarantine at home for five days.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for an additional five days
- Test on day five, if possible.
- If symptoms develop, get a test as soon as possible and stay home.
Counting of Days:
- Day 0: Date of exposure or Date of first symptoms or date of test.
- Day 1 to 5: Isolate or quarantine as explained above.
- If on day 5, individual is asymptomatic or resolving and has not had a fever for more than 24 hours without fever reducers, they can return to school on day 6.
- If on day 5, individual is not improving or exhibiting new symptoms, they should continue to stay home.
Return to School
The County Department of Health has indicated the recent increases in COVID-19 cases may cause some people delays in receiving isolation and quarantine orders. So, if you do not receive documentation from the county please use the following attestations which are to be returned to the County DoH, as well as a copy to the WCS school nurse in order to return: Isolation | Quarantine
I know this is a lot of information to digest and the constant changes can be exhausting, so I thank you for your continued flexibility and understanding. I remain optimistic that these changes are another step towards a normal school setting. If I can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. I am happy to answer questions with the information I currently have and can be reached at [email protected].
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
1-3-2022
Good afternoon Worcester Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a very restful and relaxing holiday break. We enjoyed having our students back today and remain committed to keeping the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our decision-making, while also keeping our doors open for in-person learning. As we return to school, I wanted to share a few updates.
COVID-19 Positives
Since December 22, 2021, we have learned of two staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19. Any individual who was determined to be a direct contact and required to quarantine, has already been notified.
COVID-19 Student Testing
You may have heard in the media, Governor Hochul has indicated COVID-19 tests will be sent to all school districts for distribution. As we receive more guidance on this announcement, we will continue to work with our BOCES component districts to create a plan on how best to use the tests once they all have been delivered. In the meantime, if you perform an at home COVID-19 test which yields a positive result, you must immediately notify the Otsego County Department of Health by emailing all relevant contact information (name, address, phone number, etc) to [email protected]. Also, please contact Chris Zaengle at [email protected] or 607-397-8785 ext. 126.
Quarantine and Isolation Protocols
There has been a lot of discussion on the CDC’s change to the length of the isolation period for fully vaccinated healthcare workers and other critical workforce. It is important to note, as of now, this change in guidance does not affect the isolation period for public school students. WCS continues to work under the guidance of the New York State and Otsego County Department of Health to make determinations about quarantine and isolation periods.
Our success in staying open with in-person instruction starts with you. As a reminder, please do not send your child to school if they show any symptoms of COVID-19. Quarantines can cause serious strains on WCS staffing, which impacts our goal to remain open with in-person learning. I thank you for your continued partnership and support and wish you a safe, healthy and happy new year.
Respectfully,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent
12-22-2021
Dear Worcester Families,
We have reached the holiday break! I want to start this message with a very sincere thank you to everyone who has done their part during these last several months to make in-person learning a great success. I applaud our teachers and staff who continue to work diligently to create a safe learning environment. I thank our parents and guardians for keeping students’ home when sick, and for your continued assistance and patience. We understand the irritation of the constantly changing directives and the frustration of quarantines. However, in my opinion, with our safety protocols and practices the school is one of the safest places to be. That is why it is so important that we all continue to do our part, in and out of school, so that we can continue to offer in-person learning, extracurricular activities and events through the remainder of the school year.
I want to call your attention to three important updates: first, our plan to communicate new COVID-19 cases during the holiday break; second, an update on the January regents’ exams and third, information on a Graduation Measures Forum.
Communication About COVID-19 Cases During Break
We would like to give you all a break from the COVID-19 update emails during the holiday recess. Therefore, if needed, we will provide a summary of cases to our faculty, staff, and families on January 3. However, if we learn of a new case which requires contact tracing, we will contact those individuals who are direct contacts and required to quarantine. We will return to a regular notification emails when school is back in session.
January Regents Exams Cancelled
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is canceling the January 2022 administration of all NYS High School Regents Examinations in response to the ongoing impact of the COVID–19 pandemic. NYSED indicated, there was no certainty that the exams can be “administered in a fair, equitable, and safe manner for students and teachers across the State.” NYSED has not yet made decisions about the June and August 2022 Regents Examinations and will monitor data and information related to the ongoing pandemic before deciding.
Graduation Measures Forum
On January 5th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. NYSED will hold a virtual meeting to review graduation measures and will offer opportunities for stakeholders and members of the public to share input on what a NYS diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for every student in New York. To register for the Graduation Measures Forum, follow this registration link.
In closing, I would like to thank you again for your continued support. I hope this holiday break is one filled with making great memories with your family and friends. On behalf of all of us at WCS, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a very healthy and prosperous new year!
Best Regards,
Tim Gonzales
Superintendent