February 16, 2022

Dear Families,

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and partnership. Together we’ve worked our way through a few challenging years of school in the pandemic. Together we’ve remained open to possibilities as we safely moved forward. Together we’ve extended grace to one another as each of us processed our experiences in our own ways. It hasn’t been easy but each step of our journey has been worth it to remain safe, open, and as normal as possible.

We anticipate in the coming days that Governor Hochul will remove the mask mandate for schools. Along with Livingston County Superintendents, Livingston County Board of Supervisors, Livingston County Manager, and our partners at Livingston County Department of Health, we’ve been advocating to restore local control of health response decision-making. We believe that we are better suited to make more informed decisions based on our local health data within the context of our schools and county. At the time the State allows for family choice about students mask wearing in schools, we will communicate our decision to allow you and your family to choose what is right for your student(s).

New York State provided us with COVID-19 Home Test Kits to make available to you at any time you need. As shared a few weeks ago, if your family needs a test, please contact our building main offices at any time school is open. In addition, each student will be provided an at home test kit later this week with the intention of giving you the opportunity to test before returning from February Break. This is NOT a requirement for returning to school following break.

As with many things during these challenging times, we recognize there are many perspectives that we wish to honor and respect. Therefore, please know that you do not need to receive these free home test kits from the State. Test kits will be made available to each student to take home but no student will be required to do so.

Again, thank you for working with us through another different school year. Your ongoing understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Stay Healthy & Be Well,
Matt Cole signature
Matt Cole, Superintendent