October 13, 2021
Dear School Community Member,

Six weeks into the school year, it seems to be a good time to offer the community an update on how the district continues to navigate the ongoing pandemic and the associated changes in our schools.

The first paragraph of this letter contains important information in and of itself, in that we are still confronting a pandemic and many aspects of our program are still impacted and adapting. We all wish that this was not the case but it is, and we must continue to be vigilant and acknowledge that we are not yet returned to the “normal” state that we all desire. It is also true that the longer this goes on, the more fatiguing it all becomes.

That said, the districts’ “numbers” have been very good, with very few students and staff members testing positive. That might sound a little callous if you or a family member have been ill; however, it is a fact that the number of confirmed COVID cases here have been comparatively low, as compared to the rest of the county and all of Long Island. I thank everyone for their continued compliance with the rules, both those that are imposed upon us and those we have established.

We are trying to inject some “fun” into our schools this month, with a handful of outdoor events being planned in our schools. Plus, a Homecoming event that will offer all the activities normally seen, with only a few aspects altered due to health concerns. I hope to see you at Homecoming this Saturday, as we celebrate decades of district alumni.
One major source of anxiety for all of us has been the Department of Health regulation requiring a PCR for a return to school after experiencing any COVID related symptoms or testing positive. Several weeks ago, we posted information on the district website at https://northshoreschools.org/re-opening-schools-2021/index.html, and I need to reiterate and emphasize it here:

The district will no longer accept the Rapid Antigen test for a return to school. We ONLY accept molecular NAAT or PCR tests for a symptomatic student to return to school. The test results will need to be presented to the building nurse, either, by e-mail the day before returning to school or by presenting a copy of the test result the morning that a student returns. A student will not be permitted to attend class without the result.

Recognizing that it takes a longer time to get PCR results, we will offer remote instruction during the time a student is out, awaiting that result. I recognize this is little solace to a healthy student looking to return, but it does represent our commitment to instruction.

Principals and nurses have been tasked with delivering this news until now, and I know that it has not always been well received. We take no joy in keeping students away from school, and I implore everyone to recognize our requirement to follow through on all Department of Health regulations.

I do not know what the next few months will hold, but I am always hopeful that the trajectory will continue to improve. I thank the community and our staff for their continued forbearance and will offer updates as appropriate.

 

Sincerely
Dr. Tom Dolan 
Interim Superintendent of Schools