Final Countdown...

It's hard to believe that we are at the end of August. Schools throughout our State are preparing to open under circumstances that none of us could have imagined would prolong like this, with multiple sets of requirements and guidance documents that change weekly or daily, and with stress and anxiety of everyone at an all time high. Throughout the past 5 months, we have all worked together to help build the "new normal" and as things begin to return to a more familiar situation, patience has worn thin and emotions are easily triggered. Unfortunately, as schools are set to open, there continues to be many more questions than there can be answers for. This is a result constantly changing rules, expectations, directives, regulations, etc. and the fact that many of the answers that people seek cannot be found until after things gradually open up and we are able to test our plans for surety that they work. For some, this sounds like a "trial and error" mentality, however, it is a reality of the situation we are in which is why it is more important than ever to be slow and calculated as we prepare to welcome our staff and then students back to our school facilities in the coming weeks. In the coming days/weeks, information is going to come fast and furious from many sources and it will be overwhelming for all of us. Keeping in mind that we are all doing something that has NEVER BEEN DONE before should help us get through this as a community. No parent in our lifetime has ever had to parent like this, schools have never had to prepare like this, and communities have never had to endure like this. However, together, we will overcome.

At this time, we have been able to finalize our remote schedules and class lists for students. This week, students and families should be receiving information from your school directly regarding these items. Final preparations for transportation of BOCES students, out of district students, and supported learners is also underway and that information will be available this week as well. As we move through the coming weeks, please remember that the most comprehensive location for district information related to reopening schools is on our website at www.romecsd.org/reopening. Below, please find some brief updates on the most frequently asked questions, concerns, and/or changing circumstances. This is not meant to be comprehensive or exhaustive, it is simply a snapshot into the questions/concerns that present themselves the most frequently. A complete list of FAQ's can be found here: www.romecsd.org/romereopening/frequently-asked-questions.

WHEN IS THE FIRST DAY? The first day of school for students will be September 14. Staff will report for training and preparation on September 9 and 10.

ARE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BREAKS REMAINING THE SAME? Yes. Unlike the Spring when the Governor had closed schools and ordered schools to work through their vacations, this year remains intact. The difference is due to the 180-day rule and being eligible for State Aid. Since we are at the start of the year, there is no jeopardy of missing the 180 day mark.

IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL CHANGED ALSO? At this time, no.

ARE REGENTS EXAMS AND 3-8 ASSESSMENTS GOING TO BE TAKEN THIS YEAR? At this time, yes. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has informed school districts that they intend to move forward with all standardized assessments. This could change as there is a lot of time between now and when the exams take place, but as of now, we need to prepare for these assessments.

WHEN WE WILL KNOW ABOUT STUDENTS RETURNING TO IN-PERSON LEARNING? As of now, students are scheduled to begin returning to school on Monday, October 26. The initial 6-week period gives our staff time to acclimate and adjust to the new safety measures and learning environments so that when students return, there is much less stress and anxiety which will provide a smoother transition for children. IF there would be a need to extend remote learning, that would be announced 2 weeks prior to October 26.

IS THERE SUPPORT IN FINDING CHILD CARE? Yes. Since the closure in March, the Cornell Cooperative Extension has been instrumental in supporting families find care. Our local YMCA also has been a wonderful community partner in regard to child care. We are also continuing to work on other partnerships in the community to assist in the providing of care during this time. For more information, please stay tuned to our website at: www.romecsd.org/romereopening/child-care-information.

IS THERE SUPPORT IN EVENING FOR WORKING FAMILIES? We are currently working to provide evening hours of support with access to our teaching faculty and teaching assistants for students and families that need access to a staff member in the evening. We expect to have more details on this program in the next 2 weeks.

ARE THERE SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS? Supply lists for grades preK - 6 are available on the parent resources tab of our reopening website. The lists can be found here: preK - 6 Student Supply Lists.

ARE MEALS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS? We are working through the process of providing free meals to all students in the coming school year. There is a federal program that we have applied for that will allow us to continue providing breakfast and lunch to our students. At this time, details are not complete, however, we know that elementary students will have access to meals between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. each day. The secondary schedule is not yet determined, however, when it is that information will be readily available.

CHROMEBOOKS: At this time, we are preparing for the distribution of Chromebooks to students next week, September 8-11. Devices will be available for pick up at your child's school during that week. If you are in need of a Chromebook, you simply need to indicate that need on the Instructional Choice Form that you may have already filled out. If you indicated a need in that form, we have your information. If you have not yet filled out that form, and are in need, please complete the form here: Instructional Model Request Form. Within the form there is a section regarding Chromebooks, please indicate your need there.

RESTROOMS/BATHROOMS: One of the more heavily questioned areas regarding cleaning and safety that we receive is in relation to restrooms. In July, the State guidance indicated that restroom facilities need to be consistently cleaned with student use. Since that time, they have lessened their stance and use the word "routinely" or "once a day". That standard is no different than a normal day in that restrooms are always cleaned once a day. This change will be alarming for some. Our intent is to prioritize the cleaning of our restrooms and what that exactly looks like will be determined as we welcome more people back to our facilities. On the positive side, our restrooms are equipped with touchless faucets and automatic flushing, which minimizes possible exposure.

FACE COVERINGS AND MASKS: We are asked frequently what the expectation will be for students. At this time, when students return, we will be expecting students to wear a mask at all times within the building to limit possible risk of exposure and as a general best practice.

ATHLETICS: At this time, the Governor has permitted some athletics to resume as of September 21. It is unclear how Section 3 plans to proceed at this moment. Some sections throughout the State have already canceled their athletic programs until at least January 1. As soon as we have more information on athletics, we will make sure people are informed.