These frequently asked questions (FAQs) will be updated and added to periodically. Do you have a question? Please email feedback@cohoes.org.
Instruction: Onsite Learning | Instruction: Fully Virtual Model | Health & Safety | Facilities | Transportation
Instruction: Onsite Learning
Q: What will the day look like for students in grades K-5?
A: Students in grades K through 5 will be onsite daily. The length of the school day has not changed. The day will begin at 8:35 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m. Principals will be providing more information in the coming weeks on drop off and pick up procedures, including designated entrances for each grade level.
Q: How will elementary students be grouped during the school day?
A: Additional sections have been created to reduce class sizes to 15-18 students in order to maintain a six foot distance in the classroom. In some classrooms, the class sizes may be lower depending on the square footage of the room. Students will be grouped in pods and stay in their classroom throughout the day to minimize both contact with other students and movement in the building.
Q. How will “special” subjects (e.g., art, music, PE, etc.) be delivered to students?
A: Special area teachers (art, music, physical education) will travel to the classrooms to provide instruction. Physical education classes will be held outside whenever possible, keeping a distance of 12 feet between students. Once cold weather returns, the use of the gym for physical education and corresponding safety protocols will be revisited.
Q: Will elementary students be eating in the cafeteria?
A: Elementary student meals (breakfast and lunch) will be delivered to the classrooms. All meal components will be individually wrapped. Students will eat at their designated desks. For classrooms identified with a food allergy (example: peanuts), the room will be identified as a “peanut free” space to ensure the student(s) are not exposed to the allergen. When the weather allows, classes will be encouraged to go outside for a “picnic” lunch. Meals will continue to be provided to students at no cost to families as part of the district’s Community Eligibility Program.
Q: Will parents/guardians be allowed to escort their child(ren) into the building on the first day back to school?
A: Visitors to school buildings will be restricted to those required for essential school business only. We are sorry that this year, unless conditions change, we are unable to allow parents access into the building. Individual screening for kindergarten students will occur from September 9th through 11th. At this time, parents will be able to meet their child’s kindergarten teacher and view pictures of the classroom.
Q: What will the day look like for students who are in grades 6-8 and participating in the hybrid model?
A: Students in grades 6-8 will receive in-person instruction every other day, alternating with at-home learning. To ensure social distancing, each grade level will be divided equally into two teams – Team Blue and Team Gold. When one team is in class the other team will continue learning at home. The Middle School and High School will follow the same every other day model, with siblings assigned to teams that meet on the same day. Special education students in self-contained classrooms and ENL students who score at the Entering Level will be onsite daily.
Q: Will students entering new school buildings have some form of orientation or tours ahead of time?
A: The district always looks forward to welcoming new or rising students into its buildings. Sixth grade students and their families are invited to take a tour of Cohoes Middle School for their Open Doors event which runs from August 17 to 21, with tours available at 9 & 10 a.m. and 1 & 2 p.m. The tours are limited to groups of 10 or fewer and held by appointment only. The first day of high school will be in-person for ninth graders only, while other students will receive instruction virtually.
Q: What time should I drop my middle or high school child off and pick him/her up?
A: The length of the school day has not changed. The middle school day will begin at 8:07 a.m. and end at 2:46 p.m. The high school day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 2:44 p.m. Principals Martinelli and Tarlo will be providing more information on drop off and pick up procedures, including designated entrances for each grade level.
Q: What will the day look like for students in grades 9-12 who are participating in the hybrid model?
A: Grade 9-12 students will have a hybrid model with an alternating day schedule, which includes both in-person and at home learning each week. To ensure social distancing, each grade level will be divided equally into two teams – Team Blue and Team Gold. When one team is in class, the other team will continue learning at home. The Middle School and High School will follow the same every other day model, with siblings assigned to teams that meet on the same day. Special education students in self-contained classrooms and ENL students who score at the entering level will be onsite daily.
Q: Is CDTA going to transport students this year?
A: Due to significant budget constraints, the cost for CDTA transportation, including bus passes, was not included in the budget this year.
Q. How will “special” subjects (e.g., art, music, PE, etc.) be delivered to students in grades 6-12?
A: Physical education classes will be held outside whenever possible, keeping a distance of 12 feet between students. Once cold weather returns, the use of the gym, weight rooms and required safety protocols will be revisited. Large group chorus and band will not be held, in favor of small group instruction. In art classes, supplies will not be shared.
Q: How will my child and I receive information about assignments?
A: All assignments will be placed and organized in Schoology for students and their parents/guardians to check daily.
Q: What will the at home learning day look like?
A: Lessons on this day will be self-guided and may include assignments (posted through Schoology or handed out during in-person lessons), videos, posted lecture notes, reading and writing activities, and exchanges through discussion boards.
Q: How will parents be notified of their child/ren’s schedule or classroom teacher?
A: Students will receive their class assignments or schedules by September 1. This information will be sent to parents via ParentSquare and Schoology.
Q: What do I do if my English language learner/multilingual learner needs additional support or resources translated into another language?
A: Reopening resources are translated on ParentSquare into the language selected by parents of ENL students. If an English language learner/multilingual learner needs additional support or additional translation services, please reach out to their teacher, principal or Jacqueline DeChiaro, our District ENL Coordinator, at jdechiar@cohoes.org.
Q: Will middle school students be eating in the cafeteria?
A: Grab & Go breakfast will be available to all students through kiosks located at the entrances of each building. Students will be scheduled, on an alternating basis, for lunch in the cafeteria or in the classroom.
The cafeteria experience includes a no touch service line and items will be pre-wrapped individually. Students sitting in the cafeteria will be limited to two per table or individual desks, maintaining a six foot distance.
For students scheduled to eat in the classroom, meals will be delivered daily. All meal components will be individually wrapped. Students will eat at their designated desk. For classrooms identified with a food allergy (example: peanuts), the room will be identified as a “peanut free” space to ensure the student(s) are not exposed to the allergen.
Since students will be onsite every other day, they will be provided with Grab & Go meals (breakfast and lunch) for the at-home learning day.
Meals will be provided to students at no cost to families as part of the district’s Community Eligibility Program.
Q: Will high school students be eating in the cafeteria?
A: Grab & Go breakfast will be available to all students through kiosks located at the entrances of each building. High School students will be eating meals in the cafeteria. The cafeteria experience includes a no touch service line, items will be pre-wrapped individually. Students sitting in the cafeteria will be limited to 2 per table, maintaining a six foot distance. During the warmer weather, seating will be available outside. The “old” gym may also be used for overflow seating to ensure a 6 foot distance. Since students will be onsite every other day, they will be provided with Grab & Go meals (breakfast and lunch) for the at-home learning day. Meals will be provided to students at no cost to families as part of the district’s Community Eligibility Program.
Q: Will my child still be able to attend the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at BOCES?
A: Students who have worked with their school counselor last spring and have signed up to attend Career and Technical Education or other programs through BOCES will still have that opportunity. Please see the BOCES reopening plan for more information on how CTE programs will be conducted.
Q: Will work-based learning opportunities still be available?
A: The district’s Career Exploration job shadowing program at the high school will not be offered this year.
Q: How will students in the Future Ready Pathways program be impacted?
A: Future Ready Pathways will continue this year with the same expectations and program requirements. FRP students can expect to attend virtual after school Extended Learning Time and virtual job shadowing experiences. Please contact Mr. Fournier at Cohoes High School for more information at cfournie@cohoes.org.
Q. How will students’ work be graded or evaluated?
A: Student work will be evaluated by classroom teachers. At the secondary level, grade report cards will be provided each quarter. At the elementary level, report cards will be provided each trimester. A numeric grading scale will continue to be utilized at the secondary level and a standards based scale (1-4) will continue to be used at the elementary level.
Q: Is the district doing anything to reduce congestion in hallways or lobby areas?
A: To adhere to NYSDOH and NYSED social distance guidelines, the movement of students will be minimized. Each building will use multiple entrances at both arrival and dismissal to reduce congestion. Principals are working on strategies for minimizing hallway contact during transitions.
Q: Will athletics, clubs or extracurricular activities still be offered?
A: The district is currently reviewing school events, activities and clubs to see which can be conducted in a safe environment with appropriate social distancing protocol, PPE usage and cleaning and disinfecting. The district will also consider an option to conduct these remotely. The list, by building, will be determined prior to the beginning of the school year and shared with parents and students. Interscholastic sports have been delayed by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) until at least Sept. 21. Additional guidance on athletic activities is forthcoming. When it becomes available, the district will communicate that information to families.
Q: How will the district decide if there is a need to go fully remote? Will that decision be made districtwide, or on a more individual basis (school, class, etc.)?
A: The district will collaborate with the Albany County Department of Health to determine the parameters, conditions or metrics (e.g., increased absenteeism or increased illness in the school community) that will serve as early warning signs that positive COVID-19 cases may be increasing beyond an acceptable level.
The district will use existing internal and external communications channels to notify staff, students and families/caregivers about any changes in school schedules with as much advance notice as possible. Updates will be sent by mass notification via ParentSquare and posted to the district website.
At a minimum, schools will close in accordance with direction from the governor and New York State Department of Health if the 7-day rolling regional average of the infection rate rises above 9%. In that instance, schools throughout the region must wait until the 14-day average is below 5% before reopening, and permission must be grated from the local department of health and other governing agencies.
The district will be updated by the Albany County Department of Health regarding the status of infection rates. The district reserves the right to modify operations prior to closing to help mitigate a rise in cases. The district will consult Dr. DiTursi, the district’s medical director, when making such decisions.
Q: Will before- and after-care be available?
A: TSL Adventures will continue to provide before- and after-care at the district’s three elementary schools.
Q: Will there continue to be PTA meetings this year?
A: The Parent-Teacher Associations from each building will meet virtually.
Instruction: Fully Virtual Model
Q: If we choose the fully virtual model, do we have to stay with that learning model for the whole year?
A: Students and their parents will be asked to commit for a ten week period.
Q: How will elementary students be grouped in the fully virtual model?
A: Students will be grouped by grade level into classes, taught by a Cohoes teacher, that include students from the district’s three elementary schools.
Q: What platforms will be used for elementary students in the fully virtual model?
A: Zoom and/or Google Meet will be the meeting platform. Google Classroom will continue to be utilized for students to access materials and assignments. Textbooks and workbooks will also be provided. Special Education students and ENL students will receive direct and indirect supports.
Q: What will the day look like for students who opt for the fully virtual model in grades K-5?
A:Students will be expected to be connected online with their class according to the following schedule:
- 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (2 hours ELA, 1 hour Math, 1 hour 45 minutes Science, Social Studies, Social Emotional Learning, other)
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Lunch)
- Specials (Art, Music, Physical Education) will be self-directed and project-based. Participation in these areas can occur during the lunch break or after school.
Q: What will the day look like for students in grades 6-12 who opt for the fully virtual model?
A: Cohoes Middle and High School students in the fully-virtual program will be assigned to Blue and Gold teams, alternating every other day between synchronous (live) instruction with their teacher and asynchronous, or self-directed, with lessons that are recorded or posted online. During synchronous (live) instruction, students will be expected to be online according to their period by period schedule.
Q: Will all courses be offered in the fully virtual model?
A: An emphasis will be placed on ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages and Regents courses. Every effort will be made at the high school to offer virtual opportunities in advanced courses and electives. Due to staffing and enrollment considerations, not all courses will be available in the fully virtual model. At the middle school, art, music and physical education classes will be more project-based or and self-directed.
Q: Can a student be marked “absent” in the fully virtual model?
A: There will be an expectation for daily attendance and full participation of all students. All attendance procedures will be in full effect whether students are in-person or fully virtual. Daily class attendance will be documented in each subject area and parents will be notified. Students who are chronically absent will receive the same follow-up (i.e., guidance, administration,Instructional Support team, child protective services) whether they are participating in-person or fully virtual.
Q: How will students complete science labs in the fully virtual model?
A: The district has purchased a web based platform, Gizmos, to enable students at the secondary level to complete virtual labs.
Q: What platforms will be used for middle and high school students in the fully virtual model?
A: The live virtual lessons will be taught by Cohoes teachers through Zoom and/or Google Meets. Students will follow a period-by-period class schedule reflecting an actual school day. All assignments will be placed and organized in Schoology for students and their parents/guardians.
Q: How will secondary students in the fully virtual model be graded?
A: Quarterly numeric grades will be calculated and reported according to the same standard as the in person learning model. More information about grading procedures will be provided in the coming weeks.
Q: Will meals be provided to those participating in the fully virtual model?
A: Grab & Go sites will be available daily. The pick up locations are to be determined, based on student demand.
Q: How will my child’s IEP be affected by participating in the fully virtual model?
A: The district will work with its committees on special education and preschool special education to ensure that students’ individualized education plans can be followed. Special Education students will receive direct and indirect supports. Related service providers (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling) will be contacting families to discuss how to best meet students’ individual needs. Parents may contact the Director of Special Programs, Erin Hill, with questions or concerns about their special education student. She can be reached at ehill@cohoes.org.
Q: What do I do if I need additional support for my English language learner/multilingual learner?
A: If an English language learner/multilingual learner needs additional support during remote instruction or in-person instruction, please reach out to their teacher, principal or Jacqueline DeChiaro, District ENL Coordinator at jdechiar@cohoes.org.
Q: How will teachers communicate with students and families in the fully virtual model?
A: Teachers of students in grades 6-12 will communicate through email, phone calls, Schoology and Parent Square. Elementary teachers will communicate through emails, phone calls and Parent Square. Parents can also sign up to receive reports through Google Classroom.
Q: How will social-emotional support be provided to students in the fully virtual model?
A: Students/parents will be able to contact counselors (6-12), social workers (K-12) , the school nurse or principal at any time. Discussions will be held over the phone or through Zoom/Google Meet. At the elementary level, Second Step, will be utilized as part of the SocialEmotional curriculum. Second Step, our K-5 Social Emotional curriculum, will be integrated into elementary virtual instruction.
Q: What if we don’t have a computer at home?
A: Families are asked to complete the district’s technology access survey. Students may borrow a device from the school. There will be a limit of one device per family since the district’s inventory is limited.
Q: How do I participate in the fully virtual model if I don’t have internet access?
A: As mentioned above, families are encouraged to complete the district’s technology access survey. A limited number of hotspots will be available. Exterior wifi access points are being added to the parking lots of each school district building. Spectrum is offering a new community internet option for new users.
Q: What resources or training will be provided to students/parents/guardians to help prepare for learning through the fully virtual model?
A: Tutorials on the use of Google Classroom and Schoology will be provided on our district website. Virtual sessions will also be available for parents.
Q: What do we do if my child’s school laptop breaks or stops working?
A: If a student is using a district-issued laptop or device and it breaks or stops working, you should immediately notify your teacher and principal. If your home computer or device stops working and you do not have an additional one to use, please contact your building principal.
Q: Can my child participate in athletics, clubs or extracurriculars if they are in the fully virtual model?
A: The Cohoes City School District is allowing students in the fully virtual model to participate in athletics and the district’s extra curricular activities.
Q. What is the difference between the fully virtual model and homeschooling?
A: The fully virtual learning model is delivered by the school district for students who are enrolled in school, but are not attending in-person instruction. Instruction is provided by certified teachers in accordance with New York State Learning Standards. Parents who wish to homeschool their child must provide written notice to the school district, and submit an individualized home instruction plan, as well as quarterly reports and evaluations, to the district.
Health & Safety
Q. Are masks required?
A: Yes. Students, staff and visitors to our schools will be expected to wear face coverings at all times, indoors and outdoors, including on the school bus and in classrooms. Students will be allowed to remove face coverings during meals and for short breaks so long as they maintain appropriate social distance. Parents with children who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering will need to contact Peggy O’Shea, Assistant Superintendent at poshea@cohoes.org.
Q. What is an acceptable face covering?
A: Cloth face masks that cover both the nose and mouth that include, but are not limited to, homemade sewn masks, “quick cut” masks and bandanas are acceptable. Surgical masks are also acceptable. More information about masks and mask care can be found at the Centers for Disease Control website.
Q. Will masks be provided to students and staff?
A: Face coverings and related necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided to students and staff, at no cost. Staff and students are also encouraged to use their own acceptable face covering.
Q. Can face shields be used in place of masks?
A: Face shields may be used by some school staff, but they are to be worn in addition to face masks, not in place of them.
Q. Are students required to wear masks in the classroom? On the school bus?
A: Students will be expected to wear face coverings at all times, indoors, including on the school bus and in classrooms, even when six-foot physical distancing is possible.
Q. What happens if a student refuses to wear a mask?
A: Just as any other instance in which a student refuses to follow school rules, teachers and other staff will work toward compliance with the student.
Q: What are parents required to do to screen children’s health before school each day?
A: Parents/guardians will be responsible for checking each child’s health before school each day. If a child presents with any of the following, he/she should be kept home from school:
- Temperature above 100.0 degrees F
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills (with or without repeated shaking)
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Q: How will parents attest their child’s health information each day?
A: Parents will complete a digital health screening questionnaire each morning, which will be sent out digitally through ParentSquare. Parents must respond prior to their child’s arrival at school. The health screening questionnaire will ask parents to attest that their child does not have a fever greater than 100 degrees F, is not experiencing COVID related symptoms, has not come in contact with someone in the past 14 days who is experiencing symptoms of COVID or who has tested positive, and has not traveled to an area which requires a 14 day quarantine upon return.
Q: What happens if a student’s health screening has not been submitted? Will he/she be permitted to enter the building?
A: If parents are not able to complete health screening at home and submit through ParentSquare before arrival to school, the student’s temperature will be taken at school and a follow up reminder will be sent to make sure the form is submitted the following day.
Q: Will the district be keeping records of student or staff health information?
A: The only information that will be collected is either Cleared or Not Cleared.
Q: What do I do if my child is showing COVID-19 symptoms?
A: Parents should contact their child’s health provider if he/she is showing COVID related symptoms. Please do not send your child to school if he/she is displaying these symptoms.
Q: If my child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, how long will he/she need to be out of school?
A: The district has established protocols and procedures, in consultation with Dr. DiTursi, the district’s Medical Director, and the Albany County Department of Health, for determining when individuals, particularly students, who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms can return to in-person learning. If a student presents with a temperature of 100 degrees F or greater, or has symptoms of COVID-19, the student may return to school under the following scenarios:
- The student receives a COVID test which comes back negative. The school should receive the certificate from a licensed health care provider who treated the child attesting the current illness is unrelated to COVID-19, providing confirmation of alternate diagnosis, labs, date of diagnosis, or other pertinent information, affirming child is fever-free for 72 hours and without other COVID-19 symptoms. The note must include the health care professional’s contact information and be accompanied by a signed parental consent for the school to interact with the child’s healthcare provider.
- The student receives a COVID test which comes back positive. The parent must follow New York state and Albany County Department of Health guidance for isolation, quarantine and contact tracing. The student may return to school when the healthcare professional provides the school with two negative acute COVID-19 test results, both taken since symptoms first appeared and are at least 24 hours apart. Or, the child’s healthcare provider, affirms the child is fever-free for 72 hours and without other COVID-19 symptoms and ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared. The note must include the health care professional’s contact information and be accompanied by a signed parental consent for the school to interact with the child’s healthcare provider.
- If no COVID test was administered, the student may return to school, when confirmed in writing by the parent affirming the child is fever-free for 3 days (no fever, off meds, respiratory and presenting symptoms have improved and ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared (unless there is also a known exposure, then 14 days after that exposure).
Q: What should I do if our family is exposed to an individual with the COVID-19 virus?
A: The district requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete a 14 day quarantine and have not developed symptoms before returning to in-person learning. The discharge of an individual from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the Albany County Department of Health.
Q: What should my child do if she feels sick during the school day? Will I be notified?
A: If a student feels sick during the school day, he/she will report to the nurse’s office/isolation area for evaluation. Parents will be contacted to pick up the child and referred to their healthcare provider.
Q. What is the protocol if there is a positive or suspected case of COVID-19 in the school?
A: The district will notify the school community, state and local health department upon being informed of a positive COVID-19 diagnostic test of an individual within school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty, staff and visitors of any of our schools.
To assist the local health department with tracing the transmission of COVID-19, the district has a plan to trace all contacts of exposed individuals in accordance with protocols, training and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program.
Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations. School staff will not try to determine who is to be excluded from school based on contact without guidance and direction from the local health department.
Q: What should I do if I have traveled internationally or from a state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 per the New York State Travel Advisory in the past 14 days?
A: Executive Order 205 requires all travelers coming from states with significant rates of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of their last contact with that state. View the list of states that meet the criteria for required quarantine.
Q: My child or a member of my family is considered to be high-risk for COVID-19. What are my options?
A: We recognize that some students are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, live with a person who is at an increased risk, or simply do not feel comfortable returning to an in-person educational environment. These students can safely participate in learning through the fully virtual model.
Q: Will testing for COVID-19 be conducted at school?
A: Testing will not be conducted at school. In the event that large-scale testing needs to occur, district officials will work with Dr. DiTursi, the Cohoes City School District’s Medical Director, and the Albany County Department of Health to coordinate.
Q: Will schools be conducting contact tracing if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19?
A: The district will participate in contact tracing protocols as implemented by the Albany County Department of Health.
Q: Has the district changed its policies on absences?
A: The district understands that there will be an increase in the number of days that a student may need to stay home due to quarantining and COVID related symptoms.
Facilities
Q. Will outside visitors be permitted into school buildings? Will outside groups still be able to use school facilities?
A: Visitors to school buildings, as well as building usage by outside groups, will be restricted to those required for school business only. Essential visitors to facilities will be required to wear face coverings, complete the health screening attestation and will be restricted in their access. No outside visitors or volunteers will be allowed entry, except for the safety and well-being of students. Upon arrival at a school building, parents/guardians will press the call button at the entrance of the building to communicate the purpose of their visit.
Q: Will there be plexiglass barriers at any school building locations?
A: Permanent plexiglass barriers will not be used at this time because there are fire safety concerns.
Q. What is the school district doing about getting clean airflow into classrooms?
A: The district will utilize the building automation systems to increase ventilation with outdoor air to the maximum extent possible based on outdoor air temperature. In addition, faculty and staff will be encouraged to open windows while maintaining health and safety protocols, particularly for younger students.
Q. How big will the class sizes be for in-person instruction?
A: Class size will be determined based on the number of students who are able to maintain the six foot social distance with no more than 49% of the room’s maximum capacity.
Q: How will desks be arranged in the classrooms? Will students be facing each other or facing forward?
A: All desks will be arranged facing forward in classrooms to ensure that students are positioned no less than six feet apart while seated.
Q: Will the bathroom capacity be limited?
A: We are arranging staffing with the goal of positioning teacher aides outside of bathrooms to ensure that usage is limited at any one time.
Q: Will students still use cubbies? Lockers?
A: Lockers will not be utilized since they encourage congregating. Cubbies may be utilized if space allows in individual classrooms.
Q. How will school supplies that are typically shared be handled?
A: At this time, we have reduced the use of shared supplies and have protocols in place for disinfecting.
Q: How is the district ensuring that any changes to its facilities are in compliance with fire code and other regulations?
A: All spaces to be occupied by school students and staff must meet the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the State Energy Conservation Code. By reducing the number of students in classrooms and the addition of sections in certain grade levels, we are able to reopen without any alterations to our facilities.
Q: Will students and staff have access to hand sanitizer?
A: Hand sanitizer will be available at every entrance and in every classroom. Parents may opt their child out of using alcohol-based hand sanitizer while at school. To do so, please send a written notice to your child’s school principal.
Q: Will students and staff have access to water fountains? How will water fountains be cleaned?
A: The district will ensure that students and staff have access to drinking water during the school day. We will be replacing some older water fountains with “bottle filling” stations and will be adding “bottle filling” stations on each floor to eliminate the need to use water fountains. All fixtures will be placed on a schedule to be cleaned throughout the day.
Q: What are the district’s plans for cleaning and disinfecting school buildings?
A: The district will ensure adherence to hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and DOH. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities will occur, including more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk and frequently touched surfaces. Cleaning and disinfection will be rigorous and ongoing and will occur at least daily, or more frequently as needed.
Q: Will fire drills and lockdown drills still be conducted? What will be the process for maintaining social distancing?
A: Schools must continue to conduct mandatory fire and lockdown drills according to the existing statutory schedule. Drills will be conducted in a manner that maintains social distancing at exits and gathering points outside the building, while still preparing students to respond in emergencies.
Transportation
Q. Will bus transportation be provided?
A: CDTA busing will not be provided this year. However, students entitled to transportation ie. foster care, homeless, and out of district placements and programs will be accommodated to the extent required by law. The district contracts with Star and Strand for transportation. For more information, contact Erin Hill at ehill@cohoes.org.
Q. Will social distancing be enforced on buses?
A: Parents are asked to complete and submit the health screening attestation before sending their children on the school bus. Students, drivers and staff should maintain appropriate social distancing to the extent practicable on the school bus.
Q. Will masks be required on the bus?
A: Students, drivers and staff must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school transportation (e.g., entering, exiting, and seated). If students need a face covering, they will be provided with one by the driver prior to entering the vehicle.