Fall 2021 & COVID-19
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Dear Syracuse City School District Families,
Your child’s education is important to us and we are excited for the 2021-22 school year! The first day of school in the Syracuse City School District will be Wednesday, September 8 for students in Kindergarten through grade 10, and Thursday, September 9 for students in Pre-K or grades 11 and 12.
We will return to five day, in-person instruction for all students with the exception of those who are medically unable to attend in-person. We are following the guidelines of the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), New York State Education Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize the risks to the health of our community, and ensure a safe learning environment.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has recommended that school districts and local health departments follow the recent CDC guidance regarding the reopening of school. This guidance strongly recommends in part, that all individuals wear masks indoors, maintain three feet of physical distance and to continue testing staff and students. In addition, all District staff will be required to provide proof of vaccination or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.
The health, wellness and safety of our students, staff and families is a top priority and one that we take very seriously. We encourage anyone who is able to, to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to stay safe and beat this virus.
As always, for the latest information, please look for updates on our website – or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. We will continue to provide you with updated information as it becomes available.
Sincerely,
Jaime Alicea
Superintendent |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where and how will students in the SCSD learn during the 2021-22 school year? |
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Our goal is to provide in-person instruction five days a week to all students in the Syracuse City School District. We know that some students have compromised immune systems or mental health issues, which would warrant remote instruction. Parents or guardians who would like to request remote instruction for their child must provide medical evidence to support that request. Translated versions of the medical exemption form are available under 'Downloads' on the Health Services Department webpage. |
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Will the SCSD offer extracurricular activities for the 2021-22 school year? |
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Yes. We will resume fall sports, drama productions, music concerts and club activities. We will communicate with students, staff and families any changes recommended by the CDC or Onondaga County Health Department. |
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Will students and staff be required to wear masks in the SCSD? |
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Yes. Masks will be mandatory in all schools and district buildings for all students, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will also be required on buses. Masks will be optional outside for recess. We will continue to provide mask breaks during the school day. Masks will be provided to students and staff.
Not allowed: cloth masks with exhalation valves or vents (they allow respiratory droplets containing the virus to escape), neck gaiters or scarves. A face shield is optional as an additional protection but does not replace a mask. |
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What will the physical distancing requirements be for students and staff? |
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We will follow the guidance from the CDC of maintaining three (3) feet of social distancing. Because children under the age of 12 are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, we will continue to use the polycarbonate dividers that were used during the 2020-21 school year at all schools.
For any activity that causes heavy breathing such as running during physical education class or projecting the voice during singing or playing a wind instrument, students must maintain (6) six feet of social distancing.
Pursuant to the CDC’s Order, physical distancing is not required on school buses. Face masks must be worn on the buses, however. |
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Will there be school-based COVID-19 testing for students and staff? |
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Yes. We will be working with the Onondaga County Health Department to do randomized, voluntary pool testing of the schools. All students under the age of 18 will need consent. Please complete the Screening Consent Form and return to your child's school. |
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What is the SCSD doing with regard to improving ventilation and filtration systems? |
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Air quality will continue to be a priority. We will continue to use the air purifiers in classrooms, and we will be adding bigger air purifier units in libraries and cafeterias. |
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Will there be daily screening for students and staff? |
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Yes. We will continue the existing COVID-19 mitigation measures. We will continue to do temperature screening daily at building entrances for all students, staff, and visitors; and we will reinforce the use of masks, hand washing, and physical distancing.
Parents/guardians are expected to screen their children using this Daily Home Screening Checklist for Students prior to sending them to school also. |
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What are the cleaning and sanitizing procedures in the SCSD? |
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We will continue with the daily cleaning and disinfecting protocols that were in place last year. |
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What will happen when positive COVID-19 cases arise in the SCSD? |
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We will work with the Onondaga County Health Department to follow their contact tracing procedures. Any student or staff member who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and be tested. Any student or staff member who tests positive should notify the school principal, nurse, or immediate supervisor immediately.
Families and staff may monitor positive COVID-19 cases by school by visiting the New York State COVID-19
Dashboard. |
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