January 20, 2021
Dear School Community:
We are still on track to reopen to in-person instruction next week. 
As of this writing, the seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate in Oneida County is 7.3 percent. Although still high, it is down from the 10.8 percent recorded on January 5. Additionally, many staff members have completed isolation or quarantine and our student positivity rate is very low. So, as of now, the data suggests we can safely reopen. However, if the numbers revert to high levels, we could be forced to transition back to remote instruction at any time. I hope that will not be the case – it is time to get our kids back in school.
As previously communicated, the Westmoreland Central School District is still located in a “yellow zone.” Consequently, the district is mandated to test 20 percent of its on-site population within 14 days of reopening. If the overall testing results reveal the positivity rate among the 20 percent of those tested is lower than the “yellow zone’s” current seven-day positivity rate, testing will not be required to continue. If the testing results reveal the positivity rate among the 20 percent of those tested is higher than the “yellow zone’s” current seven-day positivity rate, we must test 20 percent of students, faculty and staff on a bi-weekly basis for in-person instruction to continue.
Expectedly, our first challenge to successfully reopening to in-person instruction is registering 20 percent of students to voluntarily get tested. Right now, we are short of that threshold by 30 students for the Primary Elementary, 15 students for the Upper Elementary and 34 students for the Jr./Sr. High School. If we do not meet the 20 percent threshold, we will not be permitted to reopen.
Testing is now a community decision. We have heard from countless individuals over the last month wishing to resume in-person instruction, but we need your help to make it a reality. If the required number of students do not sign up to get tested by the end of this week, I assume most would prefer to remain remote. Again – the choice is yours.
If you would like in-person instruction to continue, please sign up your child to get tested on January 25 or 26 by contacting their school nurse. Everything you need know about testing can be found here.
Last, but not least – the Country Pantry is having a food distribution on Friday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m., for those in need.
Thank you for your continued support, input, understanding and patience.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools