Dear BCSD Families,
I have some important updates to share concerning New York State’s new Test-To-Stay (TTS) program and the Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance, and how they will be implemented at our schools as of today:
TEST TO STAY
Our priority continues to be to keep our students healthy, safe, and in the classroom. In order to continue to do that, we now can test asymptomatic and unvaccinated students who have had close contact exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 while in school (household exposures are not eligible for this program at this time, per New York State).
The following protocol will be implemented at Batavia City Schools, with support and approval from the Genesee County Department of Health:
The school nurse will test the exposed student.
If the student tests positive, we will send the student home, report the positive test, and require the student to isolate for five (5) days. The student may return to school as long as they are asymptomatic (not showing symptoms) at the end of the period of isolation.
If the student tests negative and as long as they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, they may continue to attend school but will be required to:
Quarantine from all other activities outside of the regular school day for five (5) days (athletics, after-school clubs, etc.)
The school nurse will test the student again six (6) days after the initial test.
QUARANTINE & ISOLATION PROTOCOLS
The isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be five (5) days as long as the individual is asymptomatic (not showing symptoms) at the end of the period of isolation.
Quarantine periods for individuals exposed to COVID-19 are as follows:
Unvaccinated: Five (5) days
Fully vaccinated, eligible for a booster, but not yet boosted: Five (5) days
Fully vaccinated and boosted, or not yet eligible for a booster: Zero (0) days
Should symptoms appear, please be sure to quarantine and seek testing.
If you have any questions about the new protocols, please contact your child’s school nurse:
Batavia High School: Nancy Haitz – nhaitz@bataviacsd.org (585-343-2480 ext. 2004)
Batavia Middle School: Jennifer Caudill – jmcaudill@bataviacsd.org (ext. 3003)
John Kennedy Intermediate: Cheryl Wagner – clwagner@bataviacsd.org (ext. 5001)
Jackson Primary: Theresa Pellegrino – tpellegrino@bataviacsd.org (ext. 4001)
Again, thank you for your patience, support, and understanding as we continue to navigate this challenging time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or the health office at your child’s school.
Sincerely,
Jason A. Smith
Superintendent