OCSD extends fully remote model through Dec. 11

Nov. 23, 2020

Dear Oswego City School District Community,

I am writing to share that since our district stopped all in-person instruction last week, we have unfortunately continued to see a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases and students and staff being quarantined.

To add to this, we’ve continued to evaluate the local COVID-19 data that is being provided each day by Oswego County. Much of this information indicates that Oswego County’s COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise at an “alarming – rampant rate” and that there is significant concern about additional exposures that could occur over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Given each of these concerns, and with an abundance of caution and a need to ensure the health and safety of our learning community, the district is going to be extending its closure of all our school buildings past November 29, 2020. Specifically, we will be extending our closure and providing remote – virtual learning only for all students through December 11, 2020.

While we understand the related concerns that this temporary closure might cause for some of our families, again we are enacting this plan out of an abundance of concern for our learning community. The district continues to work with the health department, while monitoring COVID-19 cases internally, as well any rising cases in the county.

Accordingly, parents and/or guardians should know that it is the district’s plan and desire to return to in person instruction on Dec. 14, 2020.  However, this return is subject to how the current pandemic progresses over the next couple of weeks. Should the district need to extend our remote – virtual only instructional program further, we will be in touch with the community prior to Dec. 11, 2020.

While the district buildings are temporarily closed, parents and/or guardians should continue to:

1. Ensure that their children are available online to receive their daily instruction remotely - virtually during their normal time of instruction each day of the week. Should any parent and/or guardian have difficulty with access to technology equipment, they are asked to reach out to their school principal for support.
2. Know that the district will also continue to provide meals for all students who need them -- as specified in our last communication.
3. Know that all students who attend out-of-district programs (CiTi BOCES, private and special educational programs, etc.) will continue to be transported to and attend their programs during this temporary district closure. This includes all CiTi BOCES Special Education, Alternative Education and CTE programs for secondary students.

Please also know, the district will continue to be vigilant as we move forward with ensuring our safety precautions. Accordingly, we are requesting that all of our students and staff continue to maintain COVID-19 safety precautions as well, which include:

1. Maintaining social distancing (at least 6 feet) whenever possible.
2. Wearing a mask when in the presence of other individuals.
3. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 second and using hand sanitizer where needed; and
4. Staying home when you are sick or exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms.

Anyone with questions or concerns about COVID-19 exposure can contact the Oswego County Health Department COVID-19 Hotline at 315-349-3330.

Thank you,

Mathis Calvin III, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools