March 14, 2020
Dear Argyle Families,
I am writing with an update on the rapidly developing information regarding COVID-19. After reviewing all recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and learning that New York State has been placed in a State of Emergency, in unison with the 30 other school districts in the WSWHE BOCES region, the Argyle Central School District is cancelling classes and all school events and activities for all students both on and off campus starting Monday, March 16, 2020, through April 19, 2020.
It is important to note that there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the district community, and this is a proactive measure our district is taking to keep our students and staff healthy. This closure has received full support from Washington County.
The district is approaching the closure with the following priorities:
- Ensuring that we are proactive with the health and safety of our community.
- Helping our community cope with the closure of the school district by addressing basic needs such as providing free and reduced-price meals to families who need it. (We will be communicating information on how this will occur.)
- Plans to encourage student learning for the duration of the closure.
A district-wide closure means that all Argyle CSD school activities, meetings and events, including sports practices, are canceled until further notice.
Items to consider during this time:
Health and Safety
We recognize that this news will be concerning to many of our students and families. We ask that medical questions be directed to your family doctor/healthcare provider. During the closure, if you or one of your family members tests positive for COVID-19/Coronavirus, please contact the district office and be certain to notify public health.
Meals
A staff member will contact all families that receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch. We will be distributing food throughout the closure and specific details will be given to each family.
Backpack Program
We will continue our Backpack Program. We are working to facilitate deliveries to student’s homes.
Academic Planning
Although work has already begun on this, the district will have a Superintendent’s Conference Day on Monday and Tuesday for staff to organize materials and to create academic plans for your children.
Teachers at all levels will be putting together academic plans on Monday and Tuesday. These materials will be shared with families directly. Families should expect to receive more information about staying connected during the closure early next week.
Out of District Placed Students
We will not be transporting private school students and students with special needs, whose placement is outside of the district, while Argyle is closed.
This situation is constantly evolving. The district will continue to evaluate the situation and determine our next steps as we continue to help mitigate the community spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus. Please stay tuned for updates as the next week unfolds. We will be communicating with families via automated calling and posting information on our district website: www.Argylecsd.org.
Please know, as always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this illness.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michael Healey
Superintendent of Schools
New York State DOH Website
For general questions about COVID-19 please call the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) 24/7 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the Washington County Website at www.washingtoncountyny.gov/coronavirus