The following is a written summary of Superintendent Migliori’s video message on March 26, 2021. Click here to watch the video message.
March 26, 2021
Dear School Community:
Since my last message to you, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Mr. Saxton conducted a survey of Jr./Sr. High School students concerning in-person instruction. The survey concluded there were enough students who wished to remain 100 percent remote, allowing the district to resume 100 percent in-person instruction for interested seventh and eighth grade students and still maintain proper social distancing (six feet) in classrooms. We are currently in the process of determining if we can also resume 100 percent in-person instruction for interested students in grades 9-12. Mr. Saxton is developing a plan, and will be in communication with families soon. Nonetheless, and considering the circumstances, I am both excited and grateful to now be able to offer 100 percent in-person instruction for students in grades K-8. 
Over the past few weeks, five students in the district have tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in the quarantining of several other students and some staff members. Fortunately, none of these cases led to a more serious situation or community spread. This is a testament to the entire school community for routinely following all of the safety and health protocols we have in place. So, thank you to everyone for continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands and social distancing. We will never be able to completely prevent positive cases in our schools, but we can greatly limit the spread by remaining vigilant.
Recently, there has been a lot of conversation about decreasing social distancing in schools from six feet to three feet. Just within the past week, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente released school reopening “strategies” and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance. However, despite these developments, it is extremely important to note the district is mandated to follow all guidance and protocols from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and New York State Department of Education (NYSSED). Neither the NYSDOH nor NYSSED have changed or updated their protocols pertaining to in-person learning since last summer. More specifically, the NYSDOH or NYSSED have yet to endorse or officially allow the relaxation of social distancing in classrooms from six feet to three feet. Furthermore, County Executive Picente’s “strategies” were not new – they are based on guidance documents released about eight months ago. In fact, since then, the district has already implemented some of the “strategies.” However, at this time, the district is not comfortable with County Executive Picente’s “strategies” pertaining to transportation, which recommend two students per seat on a school bus as long as they are wearing both a face mask and face shield. This directly contradicts guidance issued by the NYSSED last August. The district is also not comfortable with some of County Executive Picente’s “strategies” for classrooms, most notably the recommendation to decrease the distance between students and staff from six feet to three feet as long as everyone is wearing both a face mask and face shield and there are plexiglass barriers. In conclusion, County Executive Picente’s “strategies” and the CDC’s new guidance about social distancing are just recommendations and, most importantly, is something that must be approved by the NYSDOH and NYSSED before schools can implement any changes. The district anticipates the NYSDOH and NYSSED will review the recommendations and issue a decision within the next month. Until then, all we can do is wait patiently.
In other news – the Jr./Sr. High School will be having its school musical at the Stanley Theater so social distancing requirements can be followed and some parents and community members can hopefully attend. Also, spring sports are scheduled to begin in mid-April and we are currently considering a number of different ideas for graduations, proms, picnics, field trips and other activities. It is our goal to maintain as much normalcy as possible, and we will continue to explore ways to do so within current guidelines. So, stay tuned.
On a quick note – we have been receiving calls on a regular basis from folks who live outside of Westmoreland inquiring about transferring their kids to our district or asking if we know about any property for sale in the district. As a result, it is clear your support and the hard work of all – staff, students and administration – is spreading beyond our borders!
As always, thank you for your continued support and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori Superintendent of Schools