Updated November 17, 2020 (Information on rapid testing)

The City School District of New Rochelle began the 2020-2021 school year with an all-virtual distance learning program. The District brought students back to the schools in phases as it transitioned to a hybrid model.

Students returned to the schools according to the following schedule (in English and Spanish):

Rapid testing

Westchester County Department issued the update linked here on rapid testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find frequently asked questions and their answers here. Check back frequently.  Information will be added, amended as the situation continues to evolve. 

IF SOMEONE EXPERIENCES SYMPTOMS:

Screening Flowchart for Symptomatic Students or Staff

Return to school documentation 

UPDATE ON ATHLETICS:

Section One has approved the start of the fall sports season for September 29 for the following sports only at the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels:

• Boys Soccer
• Girls Soccer
• Girls Tennis
• Boys and Girls Cross Country

** All students must meet New York State immunization requirements for school attendance and sports participation **

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has approved the date of March 1 for football, volleyball and cheerleading. Although girls swimming is classified as a low-risk sport, the City School District of New Rochelle will not hold it this fall as many schools do not have access to facilities. It will also be moved to March 1.

Reentry Presentations

The following presentations were made at the August 18, 2020 and August 20, 2020 sessions with parents and guardians to discuss the opening of the 2020-2021 school year.

August 24, 2020 Presentation 

August 18, 2020 Presentation 

August 20, 2020 Presentation 

Training for Parents and Teachers

Our new Instructional Technology Institute will offer online sessions the week of August 17 through September 4 to help prepare parents and teachers for distance learning in the coming school year. The Instructional Technology Team is offering more than 30 free one-hour training courses in the computer applications students will need. The sessions, some intended for families, others for teachers, are designed to provide participants with a working understanding of each application. They include courses in Spanish. The courses for families are intended for parents and guardians, but they are welcome to include their children. Look for more courses as the school year begins.

Find the brochure for the courses here.

Distance Learning

The City School District of New Rochelle will open with an all-virtual model in September. Learn about distance learning in the CSDNR here:
English  Español

Ongoing Planning

The District continue to formulate re-entry plans for the 2020-21 school year to bring students back to schools when appropriate, in a manner that protects the health and safety of the students, teachers and staff as the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis continues to impact our community.    

Find the District's state-mandated Re-Entry Plan here:

Daycare

Need help finding daycare?  We have provided a list of local providers and resources here.

COVID-19 Testing

The City School District of New Rochelle is not equipped to conduct testing in the event of a large-scale outbreak. We have a standing relationship with the Westchester County Department of Health and in the event that testing is required, we will defer to the Westchester County DOH for any required or relevant information. This information will be disseminated through our communications platforms. Additional testing information is available from the Westchester County DOH in an FAQ found here. 

Testing is readily available in our community. Free testing is available with no appointment necessary at a COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing site  on Lockwood Avenue and Glover Johnson Place across from Montefiore New Rochelle. The facility is made possible by a collaboration of the New York State Department of Health, Montefiore Hospital and the City of New Rochelle. The site is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Students, staff or visitors requiring COVID-19 testing may also contact their health care provider, a local urgent care, federally qualified health center or visit the NYSDOH website to locate other nearby testing facilities at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

Contact Tracing

The City School District of New Rochelle will notify the state and local health department immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual within school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty, staff and visitors.

To assist the local health department with tracing the transmission of COVID-19, the CSDNR has developed and maintained a plan to trace all contacts of exposed individuals in accordance with protocols, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program.

The CSDNR will assist with contact tracing by:

• Keeping accurate attendance records of students and staffmembers
• Ensuring student schedules are up todate
• Keeping a visitor log that includes date and time address and phone number, and where in the school they visited
• Assisting the local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the NYSContact Tracing Program
• Informing local health department of staff member testing positive regardless of county of residence.
• For all contact tracing, the DOH will require the name, address, and phone number as well as the name and phone number of the guardian of a student.

If COVID-19 cases are discovered CSDNR, in consultation with the DOH, will:

• Close or quarantine locations of potential exposure for 24 hours, if possible
• Clean and disinfect locations as necessary
• Provide DOH with information as required

Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Staff should not try to determine who is to be excluded without guidance and direction from the local health department.

For more information about how COVID-19 containment efforts will be communicated to students, families and staff members, visit the Communications section (page 18) of our reopening plan.

Presentations and Surveys

Districts across New York State were required to submit plans to the state following guidelines issued by the NYS Education Department.

Watch Superintendent Dr. Laura Feijóo's presentation at a July 29, 2020 Town Hall meeting by clicking on the image below. Find the presentation document here.

STUDENT SURVEY

IMPORTANT: PARENTS and GUARDIANS of children who will be in District schools for 2020-2021: Please fill out an important student survey found here. The information you provide here will be crucial in helping the District formulate a plan for the start of the school year in September. 

All: Let the District know your thoughts, expectations and needs for the coming year in a re-entry survey found here.  

Superintendent Dr. Laura Feijóo presented the District’s planning for the re-entry to the New Rochelle Board of Education on July 22. View the presentation below:

Find the NYS Education Department's guidance on re-opening here.

The re-entry plan will incorporate distance learning practices that are being updated with the input of hundreds of teachers, parents and students who responded to surveys asking for their experiences and insights on our remote learning program. The District implemented a distance learning plan within days of closing the school buildings in mid-March. That plan was later updated with Distance Learning Plan 2.0, which incorporated more live classes (synchronous learning). The surveys have provided valuable feedback on those plans that will be used to shape distance learning programs that the District will use going forward when needed.

Read Superintendent Dr. Laura Feijoo’s letter discussing results of the survey here.

Resources from New York State for the creation of re-entry plans:

NYSED: Recovering, Rebuilding, and Renewing the Spirit of Our Schools School Reopening Guidance

DOH: Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

NY GOV: Reopening New York:  Guidelines for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 School (Mandatory and Recommended Best Practices)

NY GOV: Reopening New York: Checklist for Pre-K to Grade 12 School Reopening Plans

Please be sure to scroll through this entire section for updates on instruction, technology, professional development, health, transportation, food services and athletics.

Instructional Technology and Professional Development

Professional Development City School District New Rochelle 2020

The Instructional Technology Team has been offering professional development in technology regularly since the end of March.  We have created several resources for faculty, staff, and administrators.  Additionally, we have developed resources for parents and students.  

During the spring, the Team created an Instructional Technology Website to house links to applications, instructions to use applications, professional development resources, as well as a professional development calendar.  Throughout the spring and summer, we have continued to add valuable resources to this site.  

As of August 17th, the Instructional Technology Team is offering an Instructional Technology Institute for Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Families.  The team will be posting all of the materials and recordings to our website for those people who could not attend.  Additionally, we will be offering these workshops throughout the school year.

To be proactive and responsive to the needs of our community, we are providing attendees a feedback form to assess the ongoing needs of the community.  We will continue to develop and advertise new workshops to address technology needs.  When school begins, the Team will once again publish the weekly newsletter that was started in mid-April, 2020 to provide information and guidance about technology applications and professional learning resources.  

Virtual Learning HUBs

All of our schools will be offering Virtual Learning HUBs for identified students. Virtual Learning HUBs will be for the entire school day. Students will be invited based on a predetermined criteria prioritizing students who were disengaged during the Distance Learning 2.0. For those students invited, breakfast and lunch will be provided. Transportation will be available for eligible students.

Chromebook Distribution

Our District has committed to a 1 to 1 Chromebook program for students and each school has a Chromebook Distribution Plan. Please reference the Building-Level Plan of the school where your child attends for specific details on the pick-up procedure for that site. 

Information that will be collected to pick up include, but is not limited to:

Student’s Name:

Students Grade:

Parent Name:

Parent Phone:

Parent Email:

Date picking up device:

The form below will need to be filled out when receiving your Chromebook.  If you are unable to print the form we will have them available upon your arrival.

Mifi Distribution

Background:

To provide internet access to students who do not have internet services at home, the City School District of New Rochelle (CSDNR) has secured MiFi (mobile hotspot) devices. The District has 1,000 units available with the ability to procure additional units. To ensure proper and equitable distribution, the following guidelines will be followed:

Eligibility:  

Only students with a demonstrated need and currently enrolled in the District will be qualified for a MiFi device.  Data on sign-ins to G-Suite and frequency of access after March 12, 2020 is used to analyze and determine need. Likewise, the student’s School Lunch Program eligibility (where applicable) is used to validate eligibility.  

Device Sharing:  

The proper number of MiFis will be provided in a building where multiple eligible students of need reside.  This may require further review prior to release of devices to make sure equipment is proportionately distributed and functions efficiently.

Sign-Off and Recording:

1. Each MiFi will require a parent signature on the CSDNR device loaner form prior to release.
2. The MiFi serial number and date of release will be recorded in eSchool.
3. A copy of the signed CSDNR device loaner form will be included in the student’s record.

Assignment & Control:

The Instructional Technology Leads (ITL) of each school will be in charge of MiFi distribution, ensure proper recording in eSchool of MiFi information and require completion of the CSDNR device loaner form.

Transportation 

First Student/First Mile Sq. (K-5 and Special Education); 

Liberty Line (6-12) 

First Student/First Mile Sq. COVID-19 related safety protocols

can be found at: Cleaning & Disinfecting Boarding the Bus. 

Public and Private Schools 

• Students will be required to wear masks before boarding unless they are medically unable to do so 
• One student per seat, unless they are siblings, left-right positions (50% capacity) 
• Buses with 65 capacities should be able to fit approx. 25 students
• Bus runs will be checked daily (contact tracing) and annotate students that have not ridden for at least 2-3 days Home to School Routes: Public and Private Schools 
• Stops may be condensed or there may be hub stops to shorten the route when possible 
• Using large buses with limited capacity for students who may not be able to maintain social distancing and the use of face masks due to Co-2 concerns/breathing issues/behavioral issues 
• Monitor will assist in social distancing guidelines when possible 
• Wheelchairs will be placed 6 feet apart to ensure social distancing 
• Driver/Monitor will open windows/top hatch weather permitting to assist in bus ventilation with outdoor air while maintaining health and safety protocols 
• Drivers/Monitors/attendants will be permitted carry personal bottles of hand sanitizer when on school buses Safety on the School Bus: Public and Private Schools 
• School buses will not be equipped with hand sanitizer. 
• Masks are to be worn for the duration of the trip
• Parents should ensure student(s) are well according to school entry guidelines before boarding the bus 
• Parents should begin to teach students about the importance of social distancing and proper hygiene (washing of hands) 
• Routes will be available two (2) weeks prior to students’ start date.

Food Services and Procedures

Nutrition Per NYSED guidance schools and school districts should include the Food Services Department in reopening plan discussions so they are able to: provide all enrolled students with access to school meals each school day whether school is in-person or remote; address all applicable health and safety guidelines; ensure compliance with Child Nutrition Program requirements; and communicate with families through multiple means, in the languages spoken by families.

School meals will continue to be available to all students, during In-Person, Hybrid and Online Remote Instruction. In-Person Meals and Meal Distribution In-Person, meals will be provided while maintaining appropriate social distancing between students. Students do not need to wear face coverings when seated and eating so long as they are appropriately socially distanced. The school will ensure social distancing between individuals while eating in the cafeteria. If not feasible, meals may be served in alternate areas (e.g., classrooms) or in staggered meal periods to ensure social distancing and proper cleaning and disinfection between students.

Access to Meals during Hybrid and Online Remote Instruction 

• Will begin on the first day of school for students, September 9, 2020.
• For students not in attendance at school during the school day, Grab & Go Meals will be available at every school building from Monday-Friday,10:00 am -1:00 pm following the school district’s Board of Education calendar, for student and/or parent/guardian pick up at any school building using ID card/ID number for each student. 
• When a student is attending school in-person,  meals will be available for student consumption while in school. 

Guidelines

• Each feeding model implemented, will offer components to satisfy nutritional guidelines. Whether the students have in-person instruction or remote instruction, Food Services is capable of full service feeding for all enrolled students. All feeding models adhere to NYSED, federal, and local health and food safety guidelines. Health and Safety Guidelines
• All students arriving in the cafeteria will follow social distancing guidelines
• Once the parent/guardian submits medical documentation for student food allergies, Food Services will adhere to student feeding restrictions, following existing District protocols, whether inside the cafeteria or other settings in the school.
• All food-sharing tables have been dismantled, food sharing will not be permitted
• All eating tables and seats will be cleaned and sanitized prior to the next group of students arriving for meals
• All leftovers will be discarded
• Disposable utensils will be utilized.
• Food Service staff will wear and regularly change PPE, consisting of disposable gloves, aprons and surgical masks.
• Students and staff will be regularly reminded about the importance of hand washing, and as necessary, they will be directed to wash them. Portable handwashing stations will be in every cafeteria.
• All National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program requirements will be met
• Social Distancing – Floor markers following social distancing guidelines will be placed on all kitchen floors indicating where each employee is expected to work – All staff are required to wear PPE including disposable gloves and surgical masks – All staff are required to change PPE when soiled.
• Food Service Responsibilities  - Food Services will serve In-Person and Remote Instruction meals to students following the schedule implemented by YPS. All students are required to wear face coverings while entering the cafeteria and hand sanitizer will be available.

Health

Health Screening Questionnaires

CSDNR will be utilizing a COVID screening tool developed by Day Automation to screen staff members, students, and visitors. This screening tool will provide notification that an individual is cleared to enter district buildings and will not collect individual health data of staff and guests. 

The Health Screening Questionnaire determines whether the individual has:

• Knowingly been in close or proximate contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19 or who has or had symptoms of COVID-19;
• Tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19 in the past 14 days;
• Has experienced any symptoms of COVID-19, including a temperature of greater than 100.0°F in the past 14 days: and/or
• Has traveled internationally or from a state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 per the New York State Travel Advisory in the past 14 days.

Staff Members will receive an email each morning sent to their district email account.  The health screening must be completed before the staff member reports to work.  After completing the screening process, the staff member will be informed as to whether it is safe to report to work.  If the staff member is not cleared for work, then, the staff member must remain home, notify their supervisor, and await a call from the district’s tracking team nurse.  

The supervisor will be notified if the staff member/student or guest is not allowed to enter the district buildings. The link to the daily screening tool is: https://screening.dayautomation.com/

CSDNR has installed thermal temperature scanners in each building throughout the District for the daily temperature checks as part of the required COVID entry screening protocol for all staff, students, and visitors. The temperature scanners do not collect data or work off of facial recognition software.  

There will be a tablet with the questionnaire in the event a visitor is cleared to enter the building and did not have access to the Day Automation email system.

Healthy Hygiene Practices

The district will emphasize healthy hygiene practices for students and staff by providing initial and refresher education in hand and respiratory hygiene, along with providing adequate supplies and time for frequent hand hygiene. Signs will be posted throughout the school (e.g., entrances, restrooms, cafeteria, classrooms, administrative offices, auditorium, custodial staff areas) and regular messaging will be shared with the school community. Signage will be used to remind individuals to:

• Stay home if they feel sick.
• Cover their nose and mouth with an acceptable face covering when unable to maintain social distance from others or any stricter policy implemented by the school.
• Properly store and, when necessary, discard PPE.
• Adhere to social distancing instructions.
• Report symptoms of, or exposure to, COVID-19.
• Follow hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection guidelines.
• Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
• Respiratory hygiene will include changing your mask as needed, covering your nose or mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow if not able to wear a mask.  Also, washing your hands after. 

Hand and Respiratory Hygiene

Students and staff will be instructed on proper hand hygiene. The district will provide handwashing and hand sanitizing stations throughout all school buildings.  Students unable to use hand sanitizer or with visibly soiled hands will have access to sinks with soap and paper towels.  Also, all students and staff will be instructed on proper hand hygiene techniques.   Proper signage will be posted throughout the building, and also, CDC handwashing posters will be available for students and staff (examples) 

Communication to families will include information on handwashing from CDC: Information Flyer and, Information Flyer en Spanish 

(Videos to be shared with students include: CDC: Hand Washing What you need to know, Hand Washing - 20 secundos o mas, CDC: Wash your hands, CDC Hand Washing Happy Song,  CDC Cover your cough and sneeze)

Social Distancing

Students and staff will be instructed to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet at all times including but not limited to bussing, arrival, drills, transitions, and departure. Desks will be placed 6 feet apart in classrooms and floor markers will be placed throughout the buildings. The importance of maintaining physical distance to minimize the spread of COVID-19 will be emphasized in communication to the school community through the website, email, signage, the Superintendent’s messages, and other forms of available media, such as Stop the Spread of Germs, Stop the Spread of Gems - Spanish.

Students, staff, and visitors to our schools will be expected to wear face coverings indoors and outside, including on the school bus, even when maintaining a six-foot physical distance.  Students will be allowed to remove face coverings during meals and for short breaks so long as they maintain appropriate social distance. The district understands that requiring the wearing of face coverings by students at all times will need to consider and address developmental appropriateness, feasibility, and ability to implement such policy in a safe, consistent manner.  Students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering, including students where such covering would impair their physical health or mental health are not subject to the required use of a face covering. Responsible Parties should consider assistance to students who may have difficulty in adapting to wearing a face covering.

Non-Vented cloth masks are preferred.  The district will be supplying surgical masks for staff and students as needed.

Proper face-covering procedures

Students will be instructed on how to wear their face covering correctly:

• Wash your hands before and after putting on your face covering.
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Make sure you can breathe easily
• Face coverings should be washed daily

Please read Pediatricians Answer Top 10 Questions about Children in Masks

(Videos to be shared with students include: CDC Wear a Mask to Protect Your Friends, Hip Hop Public Health: Behind the Mask)

If Students or Staff become Ill with Symptoms of COVID-19 at School

The district requires students or staff with a temperature, signs of illness, and/or a positive response to the questionnaire to be sent directly to a dedicated isolation area where students are supervised, before being picked up by a parent/guardian. Students will be supervised in the isolation area while awaiting transport home and will be separated by at least 6 feet. Students will be escorted from the isolation area to their parents/guardians. Students or staff will be referred to a healthcare provider and provided resources on COVID-19 testing.

The district has established protocols and procedures, per NYSDOH guidelines and in consultation with the WCDH, about the requirements for determining when individuals, particularly students, who screen positive for COVID-19 symptoms, become symptomatic while at school or have been exposed to COVID-19 can return to the in-person learning environment.  The district will refer to NYSDOH’s “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure” regarding protocols for faculty and staff seeking to return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the faculty or staff member had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19.

All schools will follow this flowchart for anyone who screens positive or becomes symptomatic while at school: COVID-19 Screening Flowchart for Symptomatic Students or Staff

All school nurses will complete this form for students who are sent home from the isolation room at school: COVID-19 Symptoms in School Letter

All parents/guardians will return this form to their school’s nurse before the student is permitted to resume in-person instruction: COVID-19 Return to School Documentation

The district requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete a 14-day quarantine and have not developed symptoms before returning to in-person learning. The discharge of an individual from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the local health department.

COVID-19 Testing

The City School District of New Rochelle is not conducting testing for COVID-19.  Testing is the best way for someone who is symptomatic to determine whether they are infected with COVID-19.  Any positive COVID-19 test result is reportable to the school district’s Medical Director/COVID-19 Resource Person, Dr. Brooke Balchan, and the department of health.  Negative test results from a PCR diagnostic test may clear an individual back to work/school before the 10-day release from isolation period, consistent with NYSDOH guidelines.  A negative test result from a COVID-19 Antigen Test will require a confirmatory PCR test.  

Free testing is available with no appointment necessary at a COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing site.  We will continue to work collaboratively with the Westchester County Department of Health on all COVID-19 Positive cases, to expedite contact tracing, quarantine notification, and planning in the event of an outbreak in which large-scale testing is required.   

When appropriate, the school district will share pertinent information with parents/guardians, faculty, staff, students, and the local community via the district’s communication channels including email and the district website.

Contact Tracing

The district’s Medical Director/COVID-19 Resource Person, or designee, will notify the WCDH immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual within school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the district.  The WCDH requires the school district to disclose the Name, date of birth, and contact information for the individual who has tested positive.  Additional information that may be provided by the district includes classes that the individual attended, the individual's method of getting to school, the individual’s lunch activities, and any time when masks were not worn while at school.

The WCDH will take that information and determine the close contacts that will need to quarantine.  The WCDH will reach out by phone to all close contacts to notify them of their required quarantine, determine any needs or services, and monitor the contacts throughout quarantine.  A negative test will not release an individual from quarantine.  When appropriate, the district will inform the wider school community of exposure without releasing any names or identifying information.  It is critical that anyone who receives a call from 518-387-9993, “NYS Contact Tracing,” answers the phone. 

To assist the local health department with COVID-19 contact tracing, the district has developed the following procedures that will provide easily accessible information in the event of any positive case exposure Districtwide:

• Keeping accurate attendance records of students (classroom and transportation) and staff members reporting to our buildings daily for work or in-person instruction
• Ensuring student schedules are up to date (classes, related services, etc)
• Directing all visitors to use a designated “visitor entrance” at each of our buildings.  A log of all visitors entering any building will be maintained.  The log will including the following information:
  • Visitor’s name, phone number, address, date and time of visit, meeting location and district contact person 
• Health Services Department staff will maintain a log to track all students and staff members who screen positive on the COVID-19 health screening questionnaire, become symptomatic during the day or are quarantined.   
  • School nurses will send students and staff home with information on where to obtain COVID-19 testing.  
  • Students and staff members will be contacted by the school nurse to obtain additional information before they will be permitted to return to school/work (see above section:

Students or Staff become Ill with Symptoms of COVID-19 at School

Furthermore, in the event of a positive case of COVID-19 in any of our buildings, the district will adhere to NYSDOH and CDC cleaning and disinfecting guidelines of all exposed areas, including all heavy transit areas and high-touch surfaces.  The school will close off any areas used by the person who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.  The WCDH will identify who needs to be isolated and quarantined but will not direct a school to close.  The determination of a building-level closure will be made by the Superintendent, in consultation with the District’s COVID-19 CoMedical Director, Director of Facilities, and Building Principal.  Minimum of 24 hours to be disinfected using approved sanitizers. The decision to reopen that building or area will be made in conjunction with the building principal.

Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations. School staff should not try to determine who is to be excluded from school based on contact without guidance and direction from the local health department.

For more information about how COVID-19 containment efforts will be communicated to students, families, and staff members, visit the Communication/Family and Community Engagement section of our reopening plan.

Exposed and Infected Individuals 

If the individual who tested positive has symptoms (Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing, Chills, Repeated Shaking with Chills, Muscle Pain, Headache, Sore Throat, or New Loss of Taste or Smell) the Clearance Criteria for release from isolation are: 

•  It’s been at least 10 days since the individual first started experiencing symptoms; AND  
• The individual hasn’t had a fever in at least 3 days, without taking fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol); AND  
• Any shortness of breath/coughing/difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell has improved.

If the individual who tested positive is asymptomatic the Clearance Criteria are:  

• It’s been at least 10 days since the person’s first positive COVID-19 test was collected; AND  
• The individual hasn’t had any subsequent illness.

*WC DOH FAQ #9

Procedures

School Closures

A closure refers to contingency plans, protocols, and procedures for decreasing the scale or scope of in-person education and/or closing the school. The district will collaborate with the local health department to determine the parameters, conditions, or metrics (e.g., increased absenteeism or increased illness in the school community) that will serve as early warning signs that positive COVID-19 cases may be increasing beyond an acceptable level.

Schools will close if the regional infection rate rises over 9% after Aug. 1. Schools will close if the 7-day rolling average of the infection rate is above 9%.

Schools in regions in Phase IV can reopen if the daily infection rate remains below 5 percent using a 14-day average unless otherwise directed from the WCDH.

If the infection rate rises above 9%, schools must wait until the 14-day average is below 5%

Once schools open at Phase IV below 5% for a 14-day rolling average, schools can remain open even if the rate continues to rise above 5% until it reaches 9% for the 7-day average.

The school will be notified by the Westchester County Department of Health on the situation.

School administrators should consider closing school if absentee rates impact the ability of the school to operate safely.

Schools may choose to modify operations before closing to help mitigate a rise in cases. If infection rates are rising above 5%; consider modifying school operations for medically vulnerable students and staff if they are participating in in-person activities.

Schools should consult their medical director and/or the local department of health when making such decisions.

Student pick up by parent (DOH Collection)

Where applicable, separate, independent rooms with a door in close proximity to the exterior will be utilized for quarantining individuals who present with symptoms representative of COVID-19. Where excess space is not available. Nurse stations will be equipped with dividing curtains allowing for both a physical divide and at minimum 6ft of separation. Isolation Rooms will be identified in each of the Building-level reopening plans.

All school nurses work under the direction of and in consultation with the district Medical Director. District/school plan will designate two rooms or areas in each school for school health service personnel. One room/area will be for healthy students to obtain medications and nursing treatments. The second room will be for isolating persons who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Nursing staff will have N-95 masks, gloves, face shields and gowns available for use when working with students or staff who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. Students in the isolated area will be supervised by an adult who utilizes appropriate PPE prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home. Multiple students suspected of COVID-19 may be in this isolation room if they can be separated by at least 6 feet. 

Parents or guardians will be immediately notified if their child is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and will be required to pick up their child and advised to seek medical attention. Pickup will be arranged by escorting the child to the entrance of the school building. Staff exhibiting symptoms will be immediately released from work and advised to seek medical attention. 

The Medical Director and the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources will collaborate to review the case of each student or staff who are excluded from school or work based on COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to determine when they may return to work or school. This determination will be based on the most current NYS DOH guidance. 

Attendance and Attendance Reporting 

All schools will take daily attendance whether school opens in September in-person, hybrid, or remotely. Attendance policies and procedures will be communicated with families and students before the start of the school year or if the instructional model changes during the year. Communication will take the form of building-level parent letters/newsletters, robocalls, emails, text messaging, and social media. Teachers will record daily attendance in eSchools, our student management system, based on the required daily scheduled student contact and engagement. Daily reports will be generated to identify students who are absent and/or chronically absent. Contact with the families will be made daily to determine reasons for absence and to identify any needs or barriers the student may have to participate in daily lessons.

Chronic Absenteeism

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing chronic absenteeism, we are committed to providing interventions to prevent and address health-related and mental health chronic absenteeism. We recognize that many factors will influence student attendance and that attendance may be greatly impacted by the instructional models provided; in-person, hybrid, and remote.

CSDNR addresses chronic absenteeism as follows.

1. Nurture a culture of attendance

• Communicate clearly to families and students what the attendance policy is and expectations for participating based on the model of instruction
• Explain the importance of attendance to the entire school community
• Track daily attendance, tardies, and student engagement in one central, secure location with a tool that helps you quickly see how these data points impact student behavior.
• Create a more positive school culture and a focus on engaging students and families in the process

2. Early Identification and Intervention

• Each school regularly monitors attendance data and communicates with parents about issues as they arise
• Use data to identify which students are at risk, so you can intervene before isolated absences become chronic absenteeism
• Establish intervention plans; parent phone calls, home visits, counseling, instructional modifications, engage community partners, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face Covering 

The facilities department will maintain an inventory of masks to maintain an adequate supply for students and staff on an as-needed basis.  In the event stockpiles are running low, it will be communicated to the Superintendent.

• All students, staff, and visitors are required to wear cloth face covering to school/work and during the entire school day (proper mask-wearing to be reviewed).  Mask breaks will be scheduled.
• Mandatory cloth face covering is on the back to school list. 
• If a student is unable to wear a mask, he/she must be >6 feet from other students, and the parent/guardian must inform the child’s teacher and school nurse.
• Students must wear a mask on the bus, bus monitors will have additional masks for students in need unless the student is medically unable to wear a mask or is unable to tolerate a mask. 
• Extra masks will be available at building entrances, health offices, and classrooms upon request for students or staff.
• To encourage school attendance and equal access for all, the CSDNR will supply students with disposable masks if needed, on buses, classrooms, school entrances, nurse offices, and classrooms.
• The administration will provide employees with an acceptable face covering at no cost to the employee and have an adequate supply of coverings in case of replacement. Employees can wear their own face covering as long as it is acceptable, appropriate, and effective.
• Visitors who do not have their own personal mask, and that the district deems should be in the building, will be provided with a mask.  
• Cloth face coverings must be cleaned or replaced after use or when damaged or soiled, may not be shared, and should be properly stored or discarded.
• Anyone unable to wear a mask must opt-out formally, with medical documentation.  If alternate requirements for PPE is required, individuals must submit a request for review.
• N95 masks - a respiratory protection program will be adopted under specific circumstances and specific staff will be identified and trained/fit-tested per OSHA standards.

Currently, we have:

• Approximately 120 Days of Masks, Gloves and Hand Sanitizers
• Nitrile / Vinyl Gloves 
  • All gloves are shipped directly to each building from the supplier per monthly supply order forms. 
• Face Shields
  • 1,500 in stock, 1000 more by Monday (Custom New Rochelle stickers caused short delay)
• Safety Goggles
  • 150 pairs, all custodial staff assigned a pair
• Face Masks
  • 1,820,000 
• Youth Face Masks
  • 100,000 
• N95 Masks
  • 1,000 total
• Isolation Gowns 
  • 20,025 
• Oxivir RTU Spray bottles
  • 13,260 - 32oz bottles
• Oxivir Wipes
  • 180 tubs  - 160 wipes per tub 
• Purell Alcohol Hand Sanitizer
  • 2,600 - 1/2 gallon pump jugs, 600 jugs already distributed
• Hillyard Alcohol Hand Sanitizer
  • 4,882 14oz Foaming Pump Bottles
• BioProtect Alcohol Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer
  • 9 - Fifty Five gallon drums (Will be dispensed into 10 oz foaming pump bottles properly labeled)

Facilities will maintain a 90-day supply of all essential PPE.

Current District Cleaning Practices and Protocols

The district will conduct daily cleaning and disinfecting as needed while focusing on high-frequency touchpoints. During the day, and while students and teachers occupy our facilities, an EPA registered hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant with a 1 minute dwell time will be used. During the evening, custodial staff will use a different EPA registered product that is a one-step disinfectant/cleaner and will be applied with our new CC17 machines to limit cross-contamination. The district has implemented an antimicrobial coating, photocatalytic window cleaner, high MERV filter media, and is investigating Needlepoint Bipolar ionization and UV-C technology. Quantifying measuring tools to test surfaces and the air has been implemented as well.

Helpful links and information on all products are below.

EPA List N Disinfectants

• PurTbas Information       
• Oxivir 1   Information 
• Re-juv-nal Information
• Orbio Brochure

General Purpose Cleaners and Graffiti Removers

• Suprox HD Information
• Spray HD -Information
• Orbio -Brochure

Floor and Gym Finishes with Microban

• Clarion 25 Information
• Arena 300 Information
• Implemented Equipment & Services
• Protexus Electrostatic Sprayers Information 
• Hillyard CC17 Information
• ATP  Meter Information
• Particulate Meter Information
• Hillyard Chemical Dispensing Information

Cintas is now laundering all of our microfiber cleaning cloths, mops, dusters, etc., to ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing and to limit cross-contamination.

Extracurriculars and Trips

Field Trip and Large Gatherings 

To stay committed to the health and safety of our students and staff, field trips, and large group gatherings such as concerts, assemblies will not be permitted until further notice. 

Interscholastic Sports  

On Monday, August 24th, Governor Cuomo announced that “low and moderate risk” sports are authorized to begin September 21st. All school based sports must follow the New York State Department of Health-issued guidance.

After reviewing data collected from the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents and in conjunction with the planning efforts of the Section One COVID Task Force and Athletic Council, comprised of Athletic Director and Principal representation from each of the three Conferences, it is evident there is a desire to focus on the reopening of schools and the safety of all those involved.

In light of these considerations, the Section 1 Executive Committee has approved the following:

• A start date of Tuesday, September 29th for the sports of cross country, boys and girls soccer and girls tennis at the high school level.  There are no workouts allowed before this date.
• The Section One Modified Committee (middle school sports) will continue to meet to evaluate the status of the modified programs.
• Regarding football, volleyball and cheerleading - these sports will be reviewed once new information is provided by the NYSPHSAA and DOH.
• Girls Swimming is categorized as a "low-moderate risk" sport, the Section is still gathering data pertaining to facility availability throughout the Section.  Based upon the information they receive the Section may have to consider postponing girls swimming to another season.
• The State has given the approval for schools that are doing remote learning to have athletics.  Should a school be closed because of an outbreak then all sports would be on pause as well.

Extracurricular (After-School) Programs 

After School programs will not be operational during virtual learning. During hybrid model learning, we will evaluate these on a case by case basis and they will be subject to all of the protocols that are utilized during the school days. Extracurricular activities will be limited and all health and safety protocols that are in place during the school day will be maintained during after school activities. Clubs and other extracurricular activities that function virtually will be considered.

Accommodations

Accommodations for students at high risk 

Families of students that are, or believe to be, of high risk, will contact their school nurse to self-identify and provide medical documentation. The district will consider extending distance learning options or referring the student for a 504 accommodation meeting, on a case by case basis.

Accommodations for staff at high risk

Human Resources will case management each staff member that requests an accommodation.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has developed a Parent Dashboard to increase transparency and make information about school performance and other school-level data easier for parents and the public to access. The Parent Dashboard is part of New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, which emphasizes equity in education for all students and expands measures of school accountability and student success.  This new dashboard will provide parents with information about their child’s school. The Parent Dashboard is now available in addition to the New York State School Report Card on NYSED’s public data site. The Parent Dashboard offers information on all public schools including charter schools.

In 2019, NYSED gathered feedback from parents and stakeholders to guide the work of developing the Parent Dashboard. The data elements that parents ranked highest on the survey are available on the Parent Dashboard.

NYSED is now gathering additional feedback from parents and stakeholders to guide further enhancements to the Parent Dashboard. We invite parents and other stakeholders to explore the Parent Dashboard and then provide feedback via an online feedback survey available in 17 languages. NYSED will use this feedback to identify the data that is most useful to parents and the public and to make improvements to the website.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit the Parent Dashboard, which includes frequently asked questions and contact information.

Thank you for your feedback and for your continued commitment to your child’s education

Keep informed about how the City School District of New Rochelle is taking precautions against Covid-19, including the District's P.R.E.P. plan, now the model for New York State. 

Read the District's Covid-19 plan in English or Spanish. Read the NYS K-12 school guidance.

Call the NYS Department of Health Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

Download the "Stop the Spread of Germs"  infographic in English or Spanish.

Resources from the CDC:

• How Covid-19 spreads
• Symptoms
• Prevention and treatment
• What to do if you are sick

Answers to Survey Questions:

• FAQs March 27 through April 3, 2020
• FAQs March 23 through 27, 2020
• FAQs as of March 23, 2020

Submit your questions here in English or Spanish.

Messages from the Superintendent regarding Covid-19:

• July 27, 2020 - Town Hall on re-entry announced
• July 23, 2020 - Re-entry survey introduced
• July 9, 2020 - Survey on distance learning
• June 30, 2020 - Summer food distribution
• June 11, 2020 - Additional committee members named
• June 10, 2020 - Re-entry Committee members announced
• June 9, 2020 - NRHS holds online arts fest
• June 9, 2020 - Election Day arrives, but ballots can still be mailed in
• June 8, 2020 - Deadline approaching for drop-off ballots
• June 7, 2020 - Deadline extended to accept mail-in ballots
• June 5, 2020 - Process to obtain replacement ballots introduced
• June 4, 2020 - Voting process preserves confidentiality
• June 4, 2020 - Ballot lockboxes added
• June 3, 2020 - Budget vote, last day of school, re-entry committee
• June 2, 2020 - Registration process adjusted for COVID-19 crisis
• June 1, 2020 - Ballots delayed, collection times expanded
• May 28, 2020 - How to vote with absentee ballots
• May 27, 2020 - Virtual STEAMposium brings hands-on activities into students' homes
• May 26, 2020 - More on joining committees, distance learning survey.
• May 21, 2020 - Share your distance learning experiences
• May 20, 2020 - Join one of the subcommittees to determine next steps
• May 18, 2020 - Communications will come five times per week
• May 15, 2020 - Governor does not release expected state aid figures.
• May 14, 2020 - What's Next?
• May 11, 2020 - ALMS teacher also serves as respiratory therapist
• May 10, 2020 - Calling for more federal funds for education
• May 9, 2020 - Distance Learning Plan 2.0 guide
• May 7, 2020 - Mission Statement Week: Diversity
• May 6, 2020 - Mission Statement Week: Safe, nurturing environment
• May 5, 2020 - Mission Statement Week: Quality education
• May 4, 2020 - Mission Statement Week: Partnerships
• May 3, 2020 - Introducing Mission Statement week
• May 2, 2020 - Class of 2020 lawn signs coming
• May 1, 2020 - Closure extended through end of school year.
• April 24, 2020 - Q&A for Distance Learning Plan 2.0
• April 23, 2020 - Teachers celebrate student's birthday
• April 21, 2020 - Distance Learning Plan 2.0 Launched
• April 18, 2020 - Signs of stress in your child
• April 17, 2020 - Closure extended through May 15. Updates on food distribution, free internet access, Chromebooks and the tax deadline.
• April 16, 2020 - School tax deadline extended to May 31
• April 12, 2020 - Discussion of length of closure, Distance Learning 2.0
• April 11, 2020 - Clarifying 'Psychology Today' article
• April 10, 2020 - Teacher Appreciation Week culminates; enjoy the weekend
• April 9, 2020 - Chromebooks available for elementary school students
• April 8, 2020 - Send a note to your favorite teacher(s)
• April 8, 2020 - Kitchen worker tests positive
• April 7, 2020 - Teacher Parades, more on Distance Learning 2.0
• April 6, 2020 - Closure extended through April 29, Teacher Appreciation Week launched, Distance Learning 2.0 coming soon
• April 5, 2020 - Silver Linings, Spanish Subtitles
• April 4, 2020 - Autism Awareness, Special Student Services
• April 3, 2020 - Declaring April 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
• April 2, 2020 - News from New Rochelle Public Library
• April 1, 2020 - Reasons for Pass/Incomplete grade structure
• March 31, 2020 - Distance learning to continue through Spring Break
• March 29, 2020 - Updates on PAVE auditions, Pre-K and kindergarten registration, magnet enrollment, FAQ platform; a Note to Seniors
• March 28, 2020 - Updates: budget, food support, Chromebooks
• March 27, 2020 - School closure extended beyond Spring Break
• March 26, 2020 - More on April 1 re-open date
• March 26, 2020 - Description of new Parent Coordinator position, April 1 re-open date
• March 25, 2020 - Distance Learning continues
• March 24, 2020 - Free internet & ACT/SAT prep
• March 23, 2020 - ACT/SAT Prep, answers to FAQ survey, Chromebook distribution, resources for fun, educational activities
• March 22, 2020 - Updates: Distance Learning, food support, school budget, FAQ survey, ThoughtExchange, Chromebooks
• March 21, 2020 - Dr. Feijóo's video message on positive COVID-19 test
• March 21, 2020 - Dr. Feijóo tests positive for COVID-19
• March 20, 2020 - Ideas for food distribution sites, grade 3-8 state tests canceled, ThoughtExchange ideas announced
• March 19, 2020 - Protocols for announcing positive COVID-19 cases
• March 18, 2020 - Updates on Distance Learning, internet access and Chromebook distribution
• March 17, 2020 - Schools Closed Until April 1
• March 16, 2020 - Closure Extended Through March 27
• March 15, 2020 - Distance Learning Plan Launched
• March 14, 2020 - Food Support Update
• March 14, 2020 - Coronavirus Resource Center on website, FAQ survey
• March 13, 2020 - Food Support, Services, Special Needs Students
• March 13, 2020 - Distance Learning
• March 13, 2020 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
• March 13, 2020 - Food and Childcare
• March 12, 2020 - Food Support
• March 12, 2020 - Schools Closed
• March 11, 2020 - Food Support
• March 11, 2020 - Lottery
• March 10, 2020 - Food Support
• March 10, 2020 - Containment Area
• March 9, 2020 - Response to Gov.
• March 9, 2020 - Waiting on Gov.
• March 8, 2020 - Schools ready to open Monday
• March 7, 2020 - Kindergarten Registration Postponed
• March 7, 2020 - Columbus Staff Member Self-Quarantines
• March 6, 2020 - ALMS Staff Member Self-Quarantines
• March 6, 2020 - No COVID-19 Cases
• March 5, 2020 - Coronavirus Plan
• March 4, 2020 - Schools Remain Open
• March 3, 2020 - Cleaning Precautions

Mask Protocol 

MiFi Distribution Procedure 

COVID-19 Flowchart for Symptomatic Students of Staff - English 

COVID-19 Basics Training (video)

Transportation Protocol

Virtual Learning Hubs

Diagrama de flujo COVID-19 para estudiantes sintomáticos del personal - Español

NYSDOH Flowchart for Schools/Diagrama de flujo para escuelas - English/Español

The next Board of Education meeting will be held Tuesday, December 1. It will begin with an executive session at 6 p.m. The public portion will begin at 7 p.m.

In accordance with an executive order of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the New Rochelle Board of Education is holding its meetings via Zoom during the COVID-19 crisis. A link to join the meeting will be posted here as the meeting date approaches. A phone number to listen in will also be posted.