Remote learning extended through Jan. 15

December 31, 2020
 
Dear Oswego City School District Community,
 
I am writing to share information about our school district’s remote – virtual learning emergency plan. As you are all aware, due to a higher-than-normal number of COVID-19 exposures within our schools and high numbers of students and staff who needed to be quarantined as a result, the district recently enacted its emergency plan and provided all instruction remotely. This plan was originally enacted in early December and was later extended until Jan. 8. While doing so, I shared with all of you that this plan could be extended if needed.
 
After careful consideration of:

• County and city COVID-19 data that demonstrates a continued rapid and higher-than-normal growth in cases;
• District data that includes 16 additional COVID cases within the last three weeks; and
• Consultation with local health department officials, including our school’s physician

I have decided that out of additional caution and concern for our students and staff, the district will be extending our virtual only learning plan for an additional week, through Jan. 15.  Accordingly, we are planning for our students to return for in-person instruction Jan. 19. Should another extension be required, I will be in touch with all of you prior to Jan. 15.
 
The following is also important information that all parents and guardians should know:

1. All CiTi programs will be going remote until Jan. 19.
   Due to health and safety concerns all CiTi BOCES programs are also going remote until Jan. 19, 2020. Accordingly, all CiTi students will have their programs (CTE, Alternative Education and Special Education) provided remotely, and no CiTi BOCES students will be transported to their program until Jan. 19. CiTi BOCES will be in touch soon with all parents and/or guardians of students who attend CiTi programs with details about their transition to remote-only instruction.
2. All district athletics will not begin until Jan. 19
   All Oswego City School District athletic programs (varsity bowling and swimming) will not begin until Jan. 19. The district is now working collaboratively with Section III athletic directors to ensure that students can begin their season Jan. 19. Please note, this start date is subject to how things develop regarding this pandemic.

Please know, the district does understand the challenges that this decision may cause for some of our families.  Accordingly, this decision was made considering various concerns that our parents and guardians might encounter.
 
As we move forward, I am encouraging all students and staff to be vigilant with ensuring all safety precautions. We are requesting that all our students and staff continue to maintain COVID-19 safety precautions that 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.

Should any of our parents and/or guardians have any questions about their student’s learning program, we ask that you reach out directly to your schools’ principals. 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