January 28, 2021
Dear School Community:
For the first time since November, I am writing to you with all of our children in school. What a great feeling!
I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you – Board of Education, administration, faculty, staff, students and parents – for everything you have done to make the return to in-person instruction possible. 
As mandated by New York State in order to return to in-person instruction, we tested at least 20 percent of our on-site student and staff population for COVID-19 on January 25 and 26 – a total of 212 individuals. Not only did we meet the testing requirements, but there were zero positive cases. This is a testament to everyone taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and following the many health and safety protocols in place.
Parents – thank you to those of you who allowed your child or children to get tested. Above all, thank you for entrusting us with your children during these challenging times.
Teachers – thank you for your continued commitment, sacrifice, patience and flexibility to ensure our students receive the best education possible, and one that lives up to our traditional rigors and standards.
Students – thank you for your understanding as we worked to make our learning environment as safe as possible. The goal will always be to have you in school.
Staff – thank you for everything you do – much of which happens behind the scenes – to support our students and teaching staff. Our nurses and teacher aides/assistants, along with our custodial, buildings and grounds, transportation, secretarial and IT staffs, have been on the front lines of this pandemic since the very beginning.
Administration and Board of Education – thank you for your tireless efforts, planning and dedication to ensure our schools are as safe as possible and that education – remote and in-person – carries on.
After approaching 11 percent earlier this month, I can happily report to you that Oneida County’s seven-day positivity rate is down to 5 percent as of January 23. Much of our staff has also received at least the first dose of a vaccine or is in the process of getting vaccinated. I am hopeful the surge in cases we started experiencing over the holidays is over, and numbers will continue to trend downward.
Moving forward, please know all health, safety and cleaning protocols in place before we transitioned to remote instruction, are still in place. Also, after being in school on January 26, an Upper Elementary student tested positive for COVID-19. We are hoping this positive case is isolated in nature, and will work with the Oneida County Department of Health to complete contact tracing. While contact tracing is performed, the student’s entire class will be quarantined as a precaution.
This positive case is a reminder that no matter what we do, it is extremely unlikely we will be able to avoid positive cases in our schools. That is why it remains important to not only follow all protocols in school, but outside of school as well. We cannot let our guard down.
In the coming days, after receiving guidance from the County Executive’s office, we will be making a decision about high-risk winter sports. The district’s decision will be communicated to you.
Last, but not least, now that in-person instruction has resumed, all capital project work will once again take place after school hours. Also – please remember students must complete the COVID-19 screening questionnaire every morning before entering school.
Thanks, again, to everyone, for your dedication to maintaining some type of normalcy.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools