Except in cafeteria, vaccinated students won’t need masks

You are currently viewing Except in cafeteria, vaccinated students won’t need masks
Photo courtesy of Granville Central School District. Key changes in the reopening plan at Granville schools.

A special Granville schools community forum was held recently via Google Meet to announce the most current and up-to-date changes in terms of COVID-19 restrictions and the tentative 2021 reopening plan.

In a presentation on June 7 conducted by superintendent Tom McGurl, principals Lisa Meade, Cara Talmadge and Paul Morcone and director of pupil services Ann Marie Clark, the administrators laid out notable alterations to take effect immediately with summer camps and summer school taking place.

Granville superintendent Tom McGurl

The first bullet point provided an incentive to vaccinate children as the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming readily available in healthcare centers and pharmacies throughout Washington County and surrounding areas.

“Vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks, unvaccinated individuals must wear masks when moving in halls or classrooms,” the presentation said.

McGurl spoke with NYVT Media via email to discuss the forum, attended by 19 participants with questions mostly dealing with mask usage and returning to “normal.”

“We are told there will be additional guidance for the reopening of school in the fall,” McGurl said. “When that will come, I do not know. It is our sincerest hope that we will be able to accomplish that (return to normal) in the fall.”

New York State Education Department (NYSED) and CDC officials are pushing to have all students return to in-person instruction in September, with a three-foot social distance put into effect in all settings excluding lunchtime in the cafeteria, where it will remain six feet.

“At the secondary level, choosing all-remote learning for a student will mean a reduction in the availability of certain classes, enrollment in a regional online high school through Warren Saratoga Washington Hamilton Essex County BOCES, enrolling in distance learning courses or completing online coursework through a third-party provider under contract with the district,” the presentation said.

“Parents who elect to have their child(ren) connect fully remotely and not attend classes on campus, will be allowed to do so (if NYSED regulations continue to require this option). Parents will need to sign and complete a district-provided request form no later than Aug. 1.”

On top of the presentation, Granville has publicly unveiled its “District Safety Plan,” in the event of a prolonged closure due to another pandemic. The link to view the plan is: https://granvillecsd.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_12172691/File/Granville%20District%20Wide%20School%20Safety%20Plan%206.24.21%20For%20Public%20Comment.pdf

The presentation revealed that the district will continue to function virtually in the event of a “health-related emergency.”

“Students in grades K-12 will follow their in-person school schedule while at home. Teachers will broadcast out to students either from home or school,” the presentation said. “Time spent on instruction will vary by grade level; however, students will engage with learning daily. Students will be required to log on during scheduled times.”

Stay tuned to granvillecsd.org and the Granville CSD Facebook page for more information and updates.