Capital Project

The East Greenbush CSD has proposed a $116 million capital project that, if approved by voters, would improve facilities and grounds at all seven schools at no additional cost to the local taxpayer. The proposed capital project will be a proposition on the School Budget Vote and Board Election ballot scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

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Emergency Go Home Drill – November 9

Nov 1, 2023 | Bell Top, Columbia, District, Genet, Goff, Green Meadow, Red Mill, Sutherland, Transportation

The following message was sent to all K-12 parents on Wednesday, November 1 via ParentSquare. (Parents with the Digest setting in ParentSquare will receive the letter at approximately 6:00 p.m.)

Dear Parent/Guardian, 

All district schools will dismiss 15 minutes early on Thursday, November 9 for a state-mandated Emergency Go Home Drill. This drill must be completed at least once each school year, and it must not occur more than 15 minutes prior to the normal student dismissal time. This drill is required in order for our district to be in compliance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. 

(155.77). Each school district and the board of cooperative services shall, at least once every school year, and where possible in cooperation with local county emergency preparedness plan officials, conduct one test of its emergency plan for sheltering and early dismissal at a time not to occur more than fifteen minutes earlier than the normal dismissal time.

This drill is designed so that our district can practice procedures for transporting students home in the event that inclement weather or a similar emergency affects our schools.

Once we have ensured that all students have left school safely, all adults will leave and the school will be closed.

All students will be dismissed to the location parents have indicated on the Student Verification Form in case of an emergency closing. Please be sure that any changes to your child’s emergency drop off location are made by November 7. Emergency dismissal locations for elementary school students must be within the attendance zone of the school they attend or to an approved/licensed daycare.

While this drill is mandated by law, we recognize that many families are transporting their children to and from school. Although we encourage your student to participate in the drill, if you must pick up your child, please do so at least 15 minutes prior to that day’s dismissal time and let the school main office know in advance. Any students not picked up by that time will be sent home to their emergency location.

School Dismissal Time Pickup Time*
Columbia High School 1:48 p.m. 1:33 p.m.
Goff Middle School 2:25 p.m. 2:10 p.m.
Genet Elementary School 2:55 p.m. 2:40 p.m.
Bell Top, DPS, Green Meadow and Red Mill Elementary Schools 3:15 p.m. 3:00 p.m. (DPS is 2:45 p.m.)

*Students who are being picked up by parents must be picked up by this time, otherwise, they will be sent home on the bus to their emergency location. Parents must notify schools in advance if they are picking up their child from school.

In the event that you need to contact a school after its dismissal time, please call 518-477-9288. You will reach the Transportation Department that will be acting as the emergency command post that would be activated if a real emergency occurred.

This emergency drill, along with fire, lockdown, secured lockout and bus safety drills, are part of a continued effort to keep our students and staff safe. If you have any questions about this drill, please contact your school. Thank you for supporting our safety preparedness!

After School Child Care Programs

Busing will not be provided to after school programs the day of the Emergency Go Home Drill (e.g., YMCA, TSL). The intent of this drill is to practice transporting students from school to their emergency locations designated on the Student Verification Forms.

GCC will be closed on the afternoon of Thursday, November 9.

After School Activities

There will be no after school activities including athletics and clubs on Thursday, November 9.

Pre-K Program

The Emergency Go Home Drill does not affect any of the Pre-K Programs. Pre-K students do not receive district transportation and their school day ends before this drill begins. They will have regular dismissal on November 9.