Governor Andrew Cuomo announced earlier today that all public schools in New York State will remain closed through the end of the 2019-20 school year due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is sad news for all of us in the East Greenbush Central School District, but importantly, it will help best ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and families. It will also provide the necessary time for a proper re-opening of schools for next school year, which could have many logistical challenges if we are continuing to deal with this pandemic.
The East Greenbush Central School District will continue its online learning program, free meal service and childcare for essential workers through the end of this school year. The district expects to receive guidance from the state education department regarding any potential adjustments to the school calendar that may have resulted from today’s announcement.
Grading and Reporting
In recognition that the entire 4th and final marking period for grades 6-12 and the large majority of the 3rd and final marking period for Grades K-5 has occurred during a time of required remote teaching and learning and that there has been a variety of resources and supports that have been available to students, staff, faculty, and parents we have decided to implement alternate grading and reporting practices for the end of this 2019-20 school year.
At the K-5 level, the 3rd marking period will be a simple narrative and for grades 6-12, we will move to a PASS/FAIL model for the 4th marking period. View Grading and Reporting Newsletter.
Graduation and Spring Events
School administrators and staff are discussing options for these events that would celebrate our students and their achievements, but also comply with the current public health guidelines. We plan to share our plans with the school community by May 15.
Summer School
The governor has said plans for summer school would be announced by the end of May. More information will be shared when available.
Budget Vote and Board Election Postponed
All school budget votes in New York State have been postponed until after June 1. We are waiting for further guidance from the state as to when the budget vote and board election could take place, as well as, our state and federal aid figures. Once we have that information, we can finalize a proposed budget and share it with the school community.
We have tentatively scheduled a virtual budget presentation for parents on Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. We will also be disseminating budget information on our school website and in a printed newsletter that is mailed to all district residents.
June and August 2020 Regents Examinations Canceled
On April 7, Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa announced that the June 2020 Regents Examinations will be canceled. On April 30, NYS Education Department Interim Commissioner Shannon L. Tahoe announced that the August 2020 Regents Examinations will be canceled.
Kindergarten Screenings
All Kindergarten Screenings, which were scheduled at the elementary schools during the first two weeks of May, have been postponed until further notice.
Free Meals
Free Grab n Go meals for our families in need will continue to be offered daily through this school closing. Donald P. Sutherland and Red Mill Elementary Schools have been designated as the two daily pickup sites.
Meal Pick Up Times:
- Donald P. Sutherland, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Red Mill, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Food for Families
During this challenging time, the East Greenbush Central School District is providing food to families in need from our school community. This service is open to anyone. If you are in need of food, please contact Athletic Director Michael Leonard at LeonarMi@egcsd.org or School Social Worker Audra Di Bacco at DiBaccau@egcsd.org to make arrangements for pickup or delivery. Donations are also being accepted.
- Monday, May 4, 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 6, 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
- Monday, May 11, 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 13, 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
More Information
Please continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations – including thorough handwashing, social distancing and avoiding large groups – to stay safe and healthy.
If you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice. You can also call the Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns.
Learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic by visiting https://egcsd.org/coronavirus.