Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, on May 1, Governor Cuomo announced all K-12 schools and college facilities statewide will remain closed and must continue to provide virtual instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
According to Governor Cuomo, schools are still required to continue meal programs and provide access to child care services for essential workers. Governor Cuomo is also directing all schools and colleges to create re-opening plans that re-imagine school facilities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These plans must consider how schools can monitor the spread of COVID-19; how to reinforce student safety; when and how to resume extracurricular activities; protocols for special student populations; steps to ensure student mental health; alternative academic calendars; among other considerations. All plans will be reviewed and approved by the state.
As mandated by the state, the Westmoreland Central School District will create a re-opening plan. Once the plan is finalized, it will be shared with the school community. The district is also in the process of evaluating end of the school year activities and determining if they can be held at a later date and/or virtually, such as: Junior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony; Senior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony; Grades 7 & 8 Awards Ceremony; Grades 9-11 Awards Ceremony; Senior Awards Banquet; Jr./Sr. High School Prom; Pre-K Graduation; Kindergarten Moving Up; Sixth Grade Moving Up; and Jr./Sr. High School Commencement. More information pertaining to these events will be released as soon as possible.
The state will make a decision about summer school programming by the end of May.
The district remains extremely grateful for the efforts and sacrifices of all during this unprecedented situation.
We are #WestmoStrong!