Please read the letter below from Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We in the Berlin Central School District are continuing to monitor the situation regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are currently 212 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York. While there are no confirmed cases in Rensselaer County, we are aware of concerns in the community about the spread of this relatively new virus.
District administrators continue to meet regularly, and the district is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and New York State Education Department (NYSED). We recently received guidance related to procedures for closing schools if the need arises. Earlier this week, it was announced that schools with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to close for at least 24 hours while an investigation begins.
To help us prepare for the possibility of a potential extended closure, Berlin CSD will hold a professional development half-day on Friday, March 13 for teachers and administrators to create curriculum plans and packets for students in the event that BCSD is required by health officials to close for an extended period of time. The MSHS will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., followed by BES at 11:45 a.m.
Please note this half-day will not impact after-school events, which includes hosting the regional Masterminds competition and Spanish Club members making pizza. Sports practices will still be held, but students will not be allowed to remain at school until practice begins.
We are receiving regular updates from the CDC, NYSDOH, the Rensselaer County Department of Health and NYSED as the situation changes. Rest assured we continue to follow their recommendations and guidance to ensure the health and safety of our students to the best of our ability.
Please continue to encourage your child to follow good hygiene habits, including regular hand washing with warm water and soap for 20 seconds, coughing into their elbow, and disposing of used tissues directly into the trash. It is also important to keep your child home if you believe they are sick.
Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Young
Superintendent of Schools