Elmira CitySchool District

Family, School, Community:Together We Succeed

As we continue adapting in the face of a global pandemic, one thing’s certain: the Elmira Express family will emerge stronger. To keep our schools and the local community as healthy as possible, the District is planning for a safe return by following the detailed guidelines outlined by New York State.

The Elmira City School District's Track Back 2020 re-opening plan is an ever-changing and dynamic document, developed with equal voices heard. The document is a product of many conversations including the valued perspectives and insights from our parents, students, staff and health officials. The District surveyed students, faculty and staff to glean their opinions on various parts of the school's operations for the fall.

Parents! Have you registered for a Parent Academy to learn more about The Track Back Re-Opening Plan? Sign up for a Virtual/Remote Parent Academy today.


(Submitted on July 31, 2020)

 

---

Read by The Track Back Plan By Topic

A Message from the Superintendent >>

The Road Map >>

A Plan for Testing and Tracing >>

Safety Protocols >>

Health and Wellness >>

Instructional Information >>

Remote Learning >>

Hybrid Learning >>

English Language and World Languages >>

Bus Transportation >>

School Meals >>

Ask a Question >>

Please note that due to the nature of the COVID pandemic, The Track Back re-open plan is not static. As such, please refer back to the information within this website (and PDF) frequently for the latest updates.

---

April 2021 | The Track Back Re-opening Plan Addendum 
During the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency

Elmira City School District | Revised April 2021

Background: In August of 2020, ECSD Administration teams, along with key stakeholders at local and regional health agencies, parents, students, community agencies, etc., contributed toward the development of a reopening plan amidst the global health pandemic, COVID-19. The plan was implemented in conjunction with health regulations set forth by local, state and federal health organizations. The Track Back re-opening plan was adopted in September 2020 for the fall re-opening after key stakeholder feedback was received and considered. This plan will remain unchanged as it is and an Addendum to the plan will introduce updated guidelines pursuant to the state updates announced on April 9, 2021. The Track Back Re-opening from August 2020 can be accessed here.

Introduction to The Track Back Addendum April 2021: The District has revised its 2020-21 plan to align with the recently released New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Guidelines for schools. As part of the guideline requirements, the document was reviewed by stakeholders the week of April 19, 2021 for feedback. The District engaged school stakeholders and community members in multiple ways in the development of The Track Back Addendum, April 2021. A series of LIVE Town Hall meetings were held virtually for all parents, students and community members to be able to ask questions and offer input on the plan. Building principals hosted these LIVE virtual sessions for each of their school communities. The District Superintendent communicates weekly at a minimum or more often as-needed with local Chemung County Health officials. The Superintendent and District Health Officials communicated with local health agencies for guidance and feedback throughout the development of the Addendum. This partnership and collaboration is ongoing as new developments unfold relative to the pandemic.

Modified Re-Opening Plan | April 2021 – In response to updated CDC guidelines and subsequent NYSDOH guidance released on April 9, 2021 to New York State school systems, the ECSD district has modified The Track Back plan in the form of an ADDENDUM document in accordance with new regulations.

This updated plan covers:

(1) Reopening of school facilities for in-person instruction
(2) Monitoring of health conditions
(3) Containment of potential transmission of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
(4) Closure of school facilities and in-person instruction, if necessitated by widespread virus transmission 

The District's Addendum Plan complies with the updated Interim Guidance for Pre-K to 12 Schools issued April 9, 2021 by the New York State Department of Health in the areas of Health and Safety. To access updates to these plans, please view the pages listed to the left of this screen.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
This is an uncertain time and we are all left with many questions. We value transparent and two-way dialogue with our families and community. Please stay in touch!

Are you a faculty or staff member or a student?
Please send questions to [email protected]

Are you a member of the media?
Please email our Public Information Coordinator, Beth Manwaring, with questions at bmanwaring [@] elmiracityschools.com

---

Update as of August 11, 2021 – 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

We hope this finds you happy and healthy in the last weeks of summer. We are writing to touch base with you regarding New York State’s back-to-school planning relative to COVID-19 and subsequent health and safety regulations. We have not received definitive information from New York State regarding health and safety requirements for the new school year.

However, at this time the Elmira City School District plans to bring all students to school for five days per week at all levels. There are other important details yet to be determined (ex. masking, testing, distancing, etc.).

Our District leadership team is proactively working closely with the Chemung County Executive’s Office, Chemung County Health officials and surrounding school districts to develop plans that will bring our students and staff back to school safely.

Please log on to www.elmiracityschools.com for Open House dates and times, Parent Academy sessions, back to school supply lists, health physical information, and more.

We thank you for your continued patience as we are working to do what is best for all students, in consultation with local, regional, and state authorities.

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of July 8, 2021 - 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

We received notification from the Department of Health that students in summer school/summer programming will no longer be required to wear masks during classes. The change in mask restrictions currently only applies to summer and we are expecting to receive additional information on the requirements for 2021-22 very soon. Unvaccinated staff are still required to wear a face covering at all times while indoors and students who are unvaccinated are encouraged to continue mask wearing (although the guidance from the State does not require it for unvaccinated students).  

Masks are still required for unvaccinated students on buses (per DOH guidance). They are strongly recommended for unvaccinated students in classes but are not required. Unvaccinated staff are required to wear masks when indoors (including on buses).

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools

---

Update as of June 7, 2021 – 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

We are writing to follow up with you regarding the recent state masking guidance communications from NYSED and NYSDOH. Due to the discrepancies between these two state agencies and the change in messaging to school districts over the weekend, the Governor addressed masking in schools during today’s press conference.

The governor has ordered that schools must continue to require masks for all students and staff indoors and on school buses, following the CDC’s current guidance. He also announced that schools may opt to discontinue mask use outdoors. The district is required to follow the governor’s order. Beginning today, facemasks will no longer be mandated for outdoor activities, like outdoor recess, gym class, field days, etc. Our teachers and staff are encouraged to take advantage of any opportunity they have to bring students outside for a variety of these activities. Any student who wishes to continue wearing a mask outdoors in welcome to do so.

Last Friday’s announcement from the state regarding masks in schools and Sunday’s retraction added an unfortunate layer of confusion for school officials and our families. We recognize and share in your frustration around the communication confusion of these misaligned state announcements. In particular, we know the level of uncertainty this has caused our students.

If you would like to express your concerns to the Governor’s Office, use the contact form here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

This has been an extraordinary year and we thank you for your continuing support.

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of June 6, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.

Good evening Elmira City School District Families,

We are writing with almost to the minute communication that has been relayed to us late this Sunday afternoon from the New York State Education Department. Today’s NYS communication was retracting the news released Friday regarding no mask requirements in New York State schools.

The NYSED communication states that while NYSDOH announced no masks required in schools as of June 7, NYSED is currently still advising masks to be worn in schools by staff and students. Therefore, Districts across the state are required to still maintain masking in school buildings until NYSDOH and NYSED can come to an agreement.

As of Monday, June 7, masking will still remain a requirement within our school buildings. Given forecasted high temperatures, Masking will be relaxed for all staff and students for outdoor school environments (i.e. recess, field days, etc.).

This news is sharply in contrast to what we were told on Friday and unfortunately, what we’ve conveyed to our families. As neighboring school districts in our area are also doing, the Elmira City School District will continue following state guidance regarding masking until we here otherwise.

We’ve been advised to do this now in hopes of new guidance being announced soon. We understand the frustration of this and we will continue to keep you posted as soon as we have new information.

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of June 5, 2021 - 10:00 am

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

As you’ve heard from local news reports and communications from your student’s school principals, masks will no longer be required in our school buildings beginning Monday June 7, 2021. This news was announced preliminarily by NYSDOH and confirmed by local county officials on Friday June 4.

After speaking with both the Chemung County Executive and the County Health Department Director, we have received the following message:

“Chemung County will adopt the following procedures as of Monday June 7, 2021 for all area schools and school districts:

- Indoors, mask use will be “strongly encouraged”, but not required for students, campers and staff/teachers/counselors who are not fully vaccinated;
- Outdoors, masks will not be required; students, campers, and staff/teachers/counselors who are not fully vaccinated are “encouraged” to wear a mask in certain higher-risk circumstances;
- Both indoors and outdoors, students, campers, and staff who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks; Schools and camps may choose to implement stricter standards.”

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s school. As we’ve done since early-pandemic, we will continue to follow all CDC and health department guidelines from our state and county officials. Safe distancing, hand washing, health screens and other health protocols will remain in effect in our buildings through the remainder of the school year and throughout our summer programs.

If you haven’t already reviewed and registered your students for summer enrichment and learning opportunities, please click here for details.  Summer is an important season to bridge learning gaps and make up for pandemic-related learning loss.

Keeping symptomatic students at home is the safest way to keep them and others healthy. We ask that you continue completing the daily home health screens and StayWell surveys. Please also remind your students to bring water bottles for healthy hydration throughout the warmer days ahead.

Thank you for helping to keep our schools as healthy place to learn and work.

Be well,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of May 26, 2021 – 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District families,

As we head into the long weekend ahead, we are writing with a few key updates. Included below, you’ll find important information related to the end of the year scheduling, June food services menus, summer programming opportunities including summer meal information, reminders of NYS Regents Exam schedules and more.

June School Calendar + Food Services Menu, Updates

As a reminder, there will be no school on Friday May 28 or Monday May 31, 2021. For a full update on the June 2021 calendar, including dismissal day/time changes per grade level, please click here. Please find the June 2021 Food Services menu for your reference by clicking through the links here:

Prek-9th June 2021 School Menu 
10-12th June 2021 School Menu
Fresh Fruits and Veggies June Menu

Summer Programming + Enrichment and Academic Support

We have a full summer planned with innovative programming designed to provide academic support and enrichment throughout the summer months. This year, more than ever before, we are encouraging our families to take advantage of our many programs that are often offered free of charge and include transportation and meals. Learn more here.

Regents Exam Information, Your Questions Answered!

With many updates being announced regularly from New York State, it’s difficult to know the most current information on NYS Regents Examinations, schedules and requirements. We’ve put together a helpful FAQ guide to help you and your students’ planning. Learn more by clicking here.

Summer Meal Program

In keeping with our summer offerings, our Food Services Department is busy planning your summer meal program offered throughout Chemung County during the summer months. A new registration form is required, even if you are currently enrolled in the program. The new registration will be available starting on Wednesday, June 16 on our District website. Stay tuned for details.

We are Hiring Bus Drivers

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are now recruiting bus drivers. We offer great benefits – full time health benefits and part-time hours beginning at $19.40 an hour. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.elmiracityschools.com/employment for details.

As we look ahead to the warmer months, we are also reflective of the last several months and recognize the enormous effort put forth by our students, families and staff. We are so grateful to once again be connected in person with most of our students and look forward to being all together again soon.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your building principal.

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of April 27, 2021 – at 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District families,

We are excited to return our students in grades Pre-K – 8 back to in-person instruction for four days beginning this Thursday, April 29, 2021. Bringing together Cohort A and Cohort B in-person students together is an exciting milestone that we’ve been anticipating with great excitement. Continuing to be vigilant with safety protocols is as important now as when the pandemic began. Please remember, if your child is not feeling well, do not send your child to school.

At-Home Health Screenings and StayWell Survey

The Staywell health surveys are an important part of our safety protocols allowing us to expand our in-person instruction. Completing the survey each day your child is in-person at school is required. We thank everyone who has been submitting surveys and/or working through the process to get the reminder emails. If you are not receiving the reminder emails, please try checking the spam/junk/clutter folders in your email. Sometimes the emails go there even if they were going to the inbox correctly before. You can also search your email folders for the sender [email protected] to locate the daily email.

Note that you can also access the survey without the reminder email. Go to https://staywell.gstboces.org/ and enter your child’s login information. The login information for this survey is the same as your student’s login to Schoology. If you are having issues with submitting the survey, please contact your school immediately.

Attendance

For students and families that have chosen in-person instruction, students will be required to attend on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week. As in any other school year, if a student is unable to attend in-person, an excuse will need to be submitted by the parent/guardian to the school’s main office. Students cannot choose to be a remote learner on in-person days.

There may be circumstances that make it permissible for an in-person learner to temporarily connect remotely. This could include a required quarantine, awaiting a COVID-19 test result while following the District's health screening protocol, or other medical situations as deemed appropriate by the principal. If a family is seeking temporary approval for a student to log-in remotely, please communicate with the principal as soon as possible so that we can talk through this request. We ask that you please be specific when requesting to participate remotely.

Transportation

The District has worked hard to anticipate potential transportation delays and changes with return to (4) four day a week in-person instruction. Our goal is to provide the same quality of service on Thursday April 29. To do so, we are asking all bus riders to be at their regular pick-up area (10) ten minutes early and anticipate potential delays for pick-up and drop-off. The goal is to provide safe and secure transportation to all ECSD students and staff. As students and drivers become more familiar with increased capacity on school buses, adjustments may occur in order to fully accommodate student needs as well as the health and safety for all.

Random COVID-19 Testing

Upon the start of four-day in-person instruction, the District will begin random COVID testing in our schools. We plan to only test small numbers, randomly. Permission slips that were provided during the first phase of COVID-19 testing in January will be used. The parent/guardian of students’ randomly chosen for in-school testing will be notified in advance.

If your child is symptomatic and has undergone a test for COVID-19, they must stay at home until a negative test result is officially received. Please call your child’s school to notify of a student illness, positive test result, pending test results or related absences so that we can best assist you. Our school nursing staff is very knowledgeable and ready to help you navigate the regulations and protocols related to COVID testing, COVID symptoms, quarantines, and all other COVID-related questions.

We are stronger together, and with collective effort, we will move through this pandemic safely. If you have questions, please contact your school office.

Thank you and be well,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Elmira City School District Re-Opening Plan
Revised, per NYSDOH Interim Guidance | April 2021

April 15, 2021

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

The District has revised its 2020-21 plan to align with the recently released New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Guidelines for schools. At this time, our revised District plan is a draft. As part of the guideline requirements, the document is available for stakeholder review and feedback. We invite you to please attend a Parent Information Session, scheduled and hosted by our school principals, this week. For Virtual Parent Information Session dates and times, please visit this page. We thank you in advance for your participation.

In August of 2020, ECSD Administration teams, along with key stakeholders at local and regional health agencies, parents, students, community agencies, etc., contributed toward the development of a re-opening plan amidst the global health pandemic, COVID-19. The plan was implemented in conjunction with health regulations set forth by local, state and federal health organizations. The plan was adopted in September 2020 for the fall re-opening after key stakeholder feedback was received and considered.

Modified Re-Opening DRAFT Plan | April 2021

In response to updated CDC guidelines and subsequent NYSDOH guidance released on April 9, 2021 to New York State school systems, the ECSD district has modified The Track Back plan in accordance with new regulations. At the centerpiece of these new regulations is new social distancing guidelines as well as face covering regulations. Please note these changes in the Modified Re-Opening DRAFT Plan | April 2021 linked above.

DISTRICT PLANNING TIMELINE

1. Week of April 12, 2021 – Review guidelines, meet with health officials, conduct internal administration planning meetings and release plan to our staff, families and community at-large
2. Week of April 19, 2021 – Collect stakeholder feedback by conducting information sessions with families, post plan to website and respond and answer questions and comments regarding plan
3. Week of April 26, 2021 – Post final revised re-opening plan to website, submit plans to NYSDOH and Chemung County Health Department and Office of the Chemung County Executive
4. Thursday, April 29, 2021 – Begin transitioning students in grades pre-k – 8 back to a four-day in-person instructional week, with Wednesdays begin reserved across the district as remote instructional days.

Pease note: Modified plans must be posted online, shared with Local Health Departments and the State Education Department. Local Health Departments are the entity charged with ensuring the enforcement of these minimum standards.

We look forward to your continuing support and thank you for your review, consideration and feedback.


Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of April 12, 2021 – 2:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families:

We are writing to you with a welcomed update. This weekend, the New York State Department of Health released updated guidance for school plans relative to COVID-19. As anticipated, the new guidance includes updated physical distancing guidelines for schools that follows the recommendations released from the Centers for Disease Control in their latest update a few weeks ago.

The most critical part of the updated guidance includes a recommendation of three feet of physical distancing in classrooms. Given this change to social distancing, students and staff will be required to wear face coverings 100% of the time with the exception of mealtimes.

The District administration team, along with our county partners, is now reviewing the state guidance to determine this next phase of COVID planning and the possibility of more in-person days of instruction. We have done a tremendous amount of advance work to prepare for this next phase, as we’ve anticipated this for several weeks. Today, I joined a meeting with County superintendents as well as our local health department leaders to jointly review the guidance. Based on what I learned today, our group of principals and key personnel in all areas of the district, including food services, transportation, maintenance and custodial, athletics and others, will come together to review the guidance and develop revisions to our re-opening plan that the state approved in August 2020.

Stakeholder feedback and involvement is a major component of a revised plan roll-out. Once our plan is finalized, we will share these proposed plans with our school community by posting them to our website. Schools will provide an opportunity for information sharing and feedback prior to expanding in-person instruction. Please look forward to an opportunity to attend a school Zoom session at a time very soon.

Thank you for your feedback and continuing support as we enter this next phase. Go Express!

Sincerely,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Dear Elmira City School District families,

Before we head off for Spring Break, scheduled for April 2-9, 2021, we wanted to connect with you again. As you know, the District recently conducted a questionnaire with our families in the hopes that we will soon be given permission to return to a four-day a week instructional model. To date, we have not received that permission. In order for the District to move forward with our planning, new guidance from New York State Department of Health, NYSED and local health agencies is needed. I have participated in advocacy efforts to state education leaders and political representatives. It is my hope that we receive guidance soon so that we may advance our plans. As we’ve done since the beginning, we will communicate with you just as soon as we have more information. As always, we appreciate the local support from our families, students, county health department staff, medical advisors and more.

Food Distribution on Wednesday April 7
Regular Wednesday Food pick-up will be available the week of Spring Break during the regularly scheduled times on Wednesday April 7.
Our Food Services team will prepare meals for registered families to pick-up at the meal sites. Are you interested in registering? Click here:
https://www.elmiracityschools.com/news/what_s_new/meal_registration_for_days_at_home

State Mandated Physical Exams
New York State has asked schools to postpone grade mandated physical exams until April 2021 to allow more time for families to obtain a health examination from their private healthcare provider due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your student has had a health exam this school year with their private medical provider, please send in a copy of the exam to the school's health office if you have not already done so. When we return from spring break the Elmira City School District will begin completing mandated school physicals for grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11. The physicals will be completed in the health offices by one of our nurse practitioners. If you have any questions, please contact the student's school health office.

I hope you enjoy your Spring Break and as always, we encourage you to maintain CDC recommended guidelines relative to mask wearing, social distancing, travel and handwashing.

Thank you and be well,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District 

---

Update, as of March 26, 2021 - 4:00 p.m. 

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

Thank you to the nearly 3,500 families who responded to our latest questionnaire related to a possible return to a four-day instructional model. The questionnaire closed at 5 p.m. on Thursday March 25. If you were not able to complete the questionnaire, please call your student’s school as soon as possible so that we may collect your response over the phone.

Your feedback has allowed the District to continue planning efforts during this next phase of COVID-19 and our schools. We continue working on a plan for anticipated changes in state guidance for schools. We are hopeful that the state updates guidance to meet recent CDC changes as soon as possible. We will continue sending you updates.

Please read through further District updates below.

State Mandated Physical Exams
New York State has asked schools to postpone grade mandated physical exams until April 2021 to allow more time for families to obtain a health examination from their private healthcare provider due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your student has had a health exam this school year with their private medical provider, please send in a copy of the exam to the school's health office if you have not already done so. When we return from spring break the Elmira City School District will begin completing mandated school physicals for grades Pre-K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11. The physicals will be completed in the health offices by one of our nurse practitioners. If you have any questions, please contact the student's school health office.

Online Tutoring Support is Available
In addition to academic support services available at your student's school, certified Elmira staff are also available during the school day for virtual tutoring! This “hotline” type of academic support is for students in grades K-12! Tutors utilize Schoology and Zoom to work with you. Please register any time throughout the day and they will respond as quickly as they can. They are available to help!  Virtual tutoring services are available during the school day, Monday - Friday. Would you like to request a time with a tutor? Click here to register.

Watch LIVE Express Sports from Home
Support Express from home! Most of our athletic contests are now streamed LIVE online. Click here to learn more.

Welcoming the Class of 2035!
The District is now underway with pre-kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year. Do you have a child who will be four before December 1, 2021? Enroll in pre-k today! Click here to visit the Registration page.

We are Express Strong
Throughout this year, the pandemic and its effects on our public educational system have presented many pivots, requiring an enormous amount of flexibility from our students, families and staff. We thank you for trusting us in the process to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.

Thank you for your continuing support. We are Express Strong!

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of March 19, 2021 - 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

As you may have read, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a change to guidance today, lowering recommended social distancing from 6 feet to 3 feet in some areas of school buildings. The next step is for the New York State Department of Health, NYSED and Chemung County Health Department to review the CDC guidelines and make updated recommendations to the guidelines in New York State schools.

We are hopeful that new guidelines will allow for the opportunity to have students return for more in-person instructional days. We are very excited about this possibility. We will also continue to offer a remote option, for the remainder of the year, so that families continue to have a choice.

In the meantime, and as we communicated last week, the District will soon send out a survey that will help us prepare for the next phase of planning. We thank you in advance for your close attention to this survey next week.

Today, we are wrapping up our week-long District Spirit Week. This uplifting campaign was planned to recognize a year of strength from our students, staff and families. We have said this again and again – the fortitude in which our community has shown throughout this unique year not only humbles us, but provides us with hope for a bright future. If you haven’t already done so, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see photos from Express Strong spirit week.

We are also pleased to direct you to the published 2021-2022 District Calendar. Please click here to access the downloaded .PDF.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We hear from many of you often expressing your support. Without our family’s engagement, our students and schools wouldn’t be as strong as they have proven to be. We are #ExpressStrong.

Be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

 

Update as of March 10, 2021 - 5:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families:

We are writing with a few updates regarding the status of our schools. As we have from the beginning, we have been in regular contact with the county and state to ensure we are following all protocols to keep our schools and classrooms compliant with health regulations related to COVID-19. We are making great strides with facilities management, vaccination clinics and more.

We are excited to share that 55-60% of our staff have already participated in District-organized vaccination clinics.

What is most on everyone’s mind is ‘What will the immediate future look like for our students and schools?’ Our internal leadership team continues to meet daily to manage, adjust and improve our practices so we can reach our goal of returning to in-person learning for more days weekly. We are beginning to plan for the future of more in-person education. We are in daily communication with the Chemung County Department of Health and will continue to learn about new protocols and regulations required to advance our goals. We will likely need to survey our families again soon to understand intentions and choices around educational models (in-person vs. virtual). As always, our goal is to delivery high quality education in a safe learning environment. Please stay tuned for more information.

We are #ExpressStrong #StayingStrong | Express Spirit Week, March 15-19, 2021

A year ago, this was our last normal week and none of us knew it. Since March 16, 2020, we re-imagined and transformed education to meet the needs and health concerns around the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. We were Express Strong. And with ‘an attitude of fortitude,’ we continue to show our strength as a community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we approach the one-year mark of this unprecedented pivot in education, I am reflective of just how far we’ve come. As a tribute to our Express strength, the District plans on running a weeklong #ExpressStrong #StayingStrong campaign on social media in which we hope to feature the countless efforts made across the District to maintain strong student engagement and community connection.

Throughout the week of March 15-19, 2021, please join us in EXPRESSING your school spirit! Consider following the District on social media and help to recognize the strength and fortitude of our Express students. Join the conversation with your own posts and pride about Elmira Express. We are #ExpressStrong #StayingStrong.

As we are now a year into this pandemic, I continue to feel proud of the strength of our community. Go Express!

Sincerely,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update as of January 29, 2021 - 4 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

This week, Governor Cuomo announced that orange zone restrictions across the state are lifted, including our region. This will end the COVID testing requirement for staff and students. As we’ve done from the beginning, we will continue to follow outlined protocols and guidance from the state. Please note that this zone removal does not lift other safety requirements. Distancing, mask-wearing, capacity limits, and other requirements will remain in school.

Please read through other updates below:

Meals available to any student 18 or under
Our Food Services Department is providing meal assistance for families who would like to participate throughout the school year. Sign up today! Your participation will allow us to continue the program. You need only complete the registration form once. This service is available to enrolled Elmira City School District students at no charge.

Hybrid students receive five breakfasts and five lunches each weekly pick-up and 100% remote students will receive seven breakfasts and seven lunches each weekly pick-up. If you would like to pick-up weekly meals for those days your child is learning at home, please click here to register. Pick-up will be on Wednesdays between 7-8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

If you are already registered and have changed status from hybrid to 100% remote or vice versa please contact our Food Services Manager at 607-735-3236 or [email protected] so we can make that change with the amount of meals you receive.

Athletics Update
Governor Cuomo announced January 22 that state-deemed high-risk sports can resume Monday February 1, 2021 as long as districts work with local authorities to make sure activities are as safe as possible. County Executive Chris Moss announced his approval for these sports to begin. We will still be conducting 20% testing of our athletic programs, as we begin the transition into sports. The first two weeks will be with athletes and coaches only and then the county will reassess how everything is going (including local infection rates, any outbreaks, issues with compliance, etc.).

Reminders about Traveling Restrictions
For travelers to a noncontiguous state, US territory or CDC level 2 and higher country, travelers must obtain a negative COVID test within three days of departure, prior to returning to New York.

The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days. On day four of quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. If both COVID tests are negative, the traveler may then exit quarantine and return to work/school. Written confirmation of both COVID tests is required in order to return to work/school.

Thank you. If you have questions, please contact your school office.

Sincerely,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update, as of January 8, 2021 - 4 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

Happy New Year! As anticipated, we are looking forward to transitioning back our Elmira High School hybrid students. The date of return for hybrid learning at Elmira High School is scheduled to begin on January 19, 2021. If you have a child in grades 10-12 returning to in-person hybrid instruction, please make sure you have submitted the completed COVID-19 testing form so that we may meet state requirements for testing in an orange zone.

Elmira High School Transition Schedule for Hybrid Students:

Cohort A Hybrid Students return Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Cohort B Hybrid Students return Thursday, January 21, 2021

If you haven't already submitted a consent waiver for returning hybrid students, we asked that parents/guardians please download/print and return a signed form back to your students' home school as soon as possible. A form .pdf can be found here.

In order to keep our schools open, we must remind everyone of the importance of following safety precautions including avoiding gatherings and unnecessary outings, maintaining at least six feet of distance when out, washing hands thoroughly and often, and wearing masks properly.

Thank you and be well,


Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update, as of December 30, 2021 - 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

As we enter the new calendar year, we look forward to returning our intermediate students, grades 3-6, back to hybrid instruction beginning on Monday, January 4. This includes hybrid Cohorts A and B for Beecher Elementary, Broadway Elementary, Coburn Elementary and Hendy Elementary Schools.

If you have a child in grades 3-6 returning to in-person hybrid instruction, please make sure you have submitted the completed COVID-19 testing form so that we may meet state requirements for testing in an orange zone upon these schools’ return,

Happy Holidays and thank you,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update, as of December 11, 2020 - 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

We are writing with great anticipation of returning our pre-k, kindergarten, first and second grade hybrid students to in-person instruction once again beginning December 14, 2020. So long as our regional case levels allow, our primary hybrid students will return next week:

• Cohort A: Hybrid students, grades pre-k – 2, will return Monday December 14, 2020.
• Cohort B: Hybrid students, grades pre-k – 2, will return Thursday December 17, 2020.

As a reminder, virtual students will continue with online instruction on Schoology.

All health protocols advised by local and state health departments as well as the CDC will be continue for in-person instruction. Students and staff will continue wearing masks, temperature checks will continue at the start of each day (and at the bus stop), and handwashing will be encouraged throughout the day. We do encourage you to send water bottles with your student so that they can refill often throughout the day at our fresh water stations. As always, students and staff will maintain 6’ social distancing expectations throughout the day. Bus transportation will be back up and running for PreK-2 students on Monday morning and the same protocols will be followed.

A healthy school begins at home. Once again, we ask for parents/guardians to do a health assessment each morning before in-person school days. An email will be sent from the GST BOCES Well App for each in-person student. If you do not receive these emails, please contact your child’s home school. Most importantly, if a child has any symptoms, please keep the child home.

Even as we plan for this transitional track back to reopening schools, we must also recognize that plans could also change based on designations from the state. Please continue to read and listen to our district updates sent via email and phone calls.

With instructional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s teacher or building principal. With technology questions, please don’t hesitate to email the tech help resource at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing our students once again in person! It is our collective responsibility to maintain a healthy school environment. As always, we encourage you to follow the guidelines set forth by health officials. We ask that you continue safety practices like wearing masks, maintaining safe distancing, and thoroughly and frequently washing hands.

Thank you and be well,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Update, as of December 6, 2020 - 12 p.m.

Dear Parents/Guardians of Hybrid Students, Grades Pre-K – Second:

Based on new state guidance and health department regulations, we recently communicated that the District is planning to transition our schools back to a hybrid in-person learning model. We will begin our strategic transition back to in-person instruction with our PreK-2 hybrid learners beginning December 14, 2020.

State regulations for schools in an orange zone will allow for schools to re-open with a testing plan of 20% of students and staff monthly. In order for students to return to in-person instruction, parent/guardian consent is required for school-based COVID-19 testing.

Tomorrow, Monday December 7, we will email parents/guardians of hybrid students in grades Pre-K – 2 consent forms to be completed online for hybrid learner(s). The electronic form will provide you an opportunity to authorize consent or decline consent for testing of your child through our school-based COVID-19 testing system. If you have multiple hybrid students in grades pre-k, first or second grade in your household, you will receive one email per student.

We ask that you please complete this electronic consent form for each of your hybrid students by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday December 8, 2020.
We understand that you may have questions before making a decision.

Please read the information below in order to assist you. If you have additional questions before making your decision, please feel free to contact your school principal.

• Chosen at random, 20% of students and staff will be tested monthly as long as we remain in an orange or yellow zone designation.
• BinaxNOW Test: The mandatory tests will be performed by trained personnel and require only the lower nasal cavity to be swabbed. Results will be available within 15 minutes. Please click here for a video simulation of the test to know what to expect.
• Review Frequently Asked Questions about school-based COVID-19 testing by clicking here.
• StayWell Health Survey: We ask that you remain diligent about completing the daily StayWell health survey emails for hybrid learning students. As a reminder, if you answer “yes” for your child to any question on this survey, your child must stay at home until our school nurse and/or the Chemung County Department of Health provides procedures for the student to return to school.

We are committed to re-opening our schools safely and in accordance with all state and local health requirements. As a reminder, virtual learning will continue for those who decline testing. Students enrolled as 100% virtual learning are committed to online instruction through January 29, 2021.

We remind all families that state requirements can change at any time so please continue to check your emails and listen to our district-wide phone calls for updates. It is important to note that the District or individual schools could potentially face having to move to remote instruction again if local infection rates warrant this, we have staff shortages due to quarantines and/or positive COVID-19 cases, or if ordered by the Governor. Our plan must be sustainable as we accommodate the required testing and contact tracing that will be necessary once students return again.

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to provide in-person learning for students and a safe learning environment for our entire school community. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your school office.

Sincerely,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

December 3, 2020

Dear Elmira City School District families,

We are writing with new developments regarding a hybrid school re-opening plan for our Elmira students. Through guidance from the Governor’s office and our County officials, we have learned that the new orange zone regulations allow for schools to re-open with a testing plan of 20% of students and staff monthly. All other CDC and health department guidelines of mask wearing, social distancing, temperature checks, health surveys and more are still required in order for schools to re-open. Monthly testing of 20% of students and staff is in addition to these health protocols.

We are committed to re-opening our schools safely and in accordance with all state and local health requirements. Given the current set of guidelines set forth by the Governor, we are building a transition plan to re-open our schools once again in a hybrid model. Given all of the requirements for testing and monitoring, we will begin with a strategic transition back to in-person instruction, beginning with our PreK-2 hybrid learners.

PreK-2 students will begin on December 14, 2020 in our hybrid model. Cohort A (Monday/Tuesday group) will begin in-person instruction once again on December 14, 2020 and Cohort B (Thursday/Friday group) will begin in-person instruction once again on December 17, 2020.

If all goes well with transitioning primary students and the infection rates allow for it, we will then transition hybrid students in grades 3-6 back into our buildings beginning January 4, 2021. Hybrid students in grades 7-9 would then transition back on January 11, 2021, and hybrid students in grades 10-12 would transition back with the start of the new semester at the end of January 2021.

It is important to note that the District or individual schools could potentially face having to move to remote instruction again if local infection rates warrant this, we have staff shortages due to quarantines and/or positive COVID-19 cases, or if ordered by the Governor. Our plan must be sustainable as we accommodate the required testing and contact tracing that will be necessary once students return again.

Of course, the health and safety of our families is our top priority. As we have learned through this years’ experience, this is a day to day situation and at any point that it is deemed unsafe for our students to be in our schools, we could revert to remote.

School-based COVID-19 testing consent is required from parents in order for students to return to in-person instruction. Chosen at random, 20% of students and staff will be tested monthly as long as we remain in an orange or yellow zone designation. Schools will send consent forms to parents/guardians as soon as possible in order to be returned and filed for our records. As a reminder, virtual learning will continue for those who decline testing. Students enrolled as 100% virtual learning are committed to online instruction through January 29, 2021.

Unsure about testing? Please watch the video below to understand the standard process for school-based testing. Additionally, we have published Frequently Asked Questions on the District website for your information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your students’ school principal. As we’ve learned this year, plans and protocols could change suddenly and we are committed to communicating with you as frequently as necessary.

Through these unprecedented times, I want to reiterate the strength that I have observed from our Elmira Express community. From family engagement, to innovative academic delivery, community support, and more, I am so proud to be working along side many amazing individuals. In Elmira, we have an attitude of fortitude and with this, we can accomplish anything when we work together.

Thank you and be well,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Orange Zone Designation and Remote Learning

Update, as of November 19, 2020 - 3:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

We are writing to provide further information about school planning and the survey we recently conducted regarding school-based COVID-19 testing. Nearly 1500 families responded to the survey to indicate if they would support their children being COVID-tested in order to return to school vs. those who would not. Survey results approximate that 3 out of every 4 students would return to school with the understanding of being tested for COVID-19. This is critical insight as we move ahead with our planning efforts. It is our goal to always be transparent and timely with our communications so you are aware of the circumstances presented to the district as we continue navigating these uncharted waters.

As you can imagine, there are many considerations for school-based testing including parent consent, testing availability, coordination to become certified testing sites, etc. We have continued to explore the feasibility of testing 100% of our student and staff population. As we remain in an orange zone designation, it has become very evident that this is not achievable with the numbers that we would have to test. The uncertainty of testing supplies and necessary PPE, as well as the demand of people resources, is making it insurmountable.

With guidance from our Board of Education, we will continue remote instruction while our schools are in the orange zone.

Per health department guidelines, there is an extensive process in order for schools to become certified testing sites. It is important to note that the only way we can return to in-person hybrid learning without testing is if the Governor designates our region as a green zone. Note that schools in a yellow zone also require testing.

Below are the COVID-zone testing requirements, for your information:

• Orange Zone (this is our current designation): To reopen to in-person hybrid instruction, the state requires the district to test 100% of staff and those students who would be in hybrid learning prior to reopening the building. After this initial testing, the state requires weekly testing of 25% of the staff and students in the building each week the school remains in the orange zone.
• Yellow Zone: Schools may reopen to hybrid learning as long as 20% of the students and staff in the building are tested weekly while in the yellow zone and are able to discontinue testing after two weeks if the positivity rate falls below the rolling average.
• Green Zone: No testing is required for schools to operate under safety guidelines.

Our next step is to continue testing 20% of our staff while in an orange zone and develop a plan for testing once we are moved to a yellow zone designation.

Thank you for your continuing support of our students and their education. And as always, we also thank you for following safety practices to help decrease the effects of COVID-19 on our community by wearing masks, maintaining safe physical distance, washing hands thoroughly and regularly, and avoiding unnecessary outings and contacts.

Sincerely,


Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

School-Based Covid-19 Testing

Update, as of November 12, 2020 - 9:00 a.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

As you know, the state health department’s daily reporting of COVID-19 indicates percentages that currently keep our schools in an ‘orange-zone’ micro-cluster of COVID-19 cases. Given this designation, return to an in-person instructional model is dependent upon school-based COVID-19 testing. New York State requires 100% of students and staff of ‘orange-zones’ to be tested prior to students returning to school and 25% of students and staff as long as the county is designated as an ‘orange-zone’ micro-cluster.

Parents of hybrid students will receive a survey by email today asking about an intention to send students back to school with the understanding that hybrid students will be tested for COVID-19 (100% of students before the start of in-person learning and 25% in the weeks to follow). The data will be used to determine how and when ECSD returns to in-person learning. We ask that you please complete this survey by Monday November 16, 2020.




About COVID-19 Testing In Schools
School-based testing requires a high degree of coordination and information exchange among health departments and schools. We have worked in partnership with the local and state health officials to develop a strategy for this school-based testing.

What type of test will be administered?
New York State has provided Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ testing kits. BinaxNOW™ is a fast, reliable and portable rapid test that includes a non-invasive nasal swab.

How is the sample taken?
The test is a non-invasive nasal swab and results will be available in 15 minutes.

What does it test?
Diagnose current COVID-19 infection by detecting viral proteins.

Who administers the test?
Trained school district personnel will administer testing, wearing necessary PPE in order to comply with CDC and health department regulations in certified school-based health centers.

How long does it take to get the results?
Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ is a rapid test, taking approximately 15-minutes fore results.

We recognize these are challenging times that often conjure questions and decisions that seem impossible. It is our goal to provide you with as much information as possible in order for you to feel informed and well-educated about this school-based COVID-19 testing plan. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the District with your questions.

Our Elmira community is built on an attitude of fortitude and we appreciate you remaining Express Strong for our students!  Download the informational .PDF to print.

Thank you and be well,

Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---

Important for Families: Daily Home Health Screen

---

---

Update, as of August 10, 2020 – 4:15 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

You may have read today that the Elmira City School District School Re-Opening plan was not received by the New York State Education Department or NYSDOH. The plan was successfully submitted on Friday July 31st to both NYSED and NYSDOH.

We received confirmation from New York State Education Department on Friday July 31, 2020 stating that they received the Elmira City School District’s “The Track Back” plan for re-opening schools from. The District also completed the necessary steps required by the New York State Department of Health and submitted the affirmation on July 31 and reaffirmed with NYSDOH today when we received notification that our school district’s name was on a list that required attention.

The link below will take you directly to our “The Track Back” portion of our website where you will find our Re-Opening Plan and a Frequently Asked Questions document that the District will keep updated.

To learn more about this plan and to ask questions regarding school re-opening, we encourage parents to sign up for an upcoming Parent Academy to interact directly with school administrators. The full lists of dates and times for these virtual Parent Academy informational sessions can be found here: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/news/what_s_new/parent_academy_q__a_sessions___the_track_back

As we’ve done from the beginning, we will continue keeping our families informed throughout our school re-opening planning. We appreciate your ongoing support.

Thank you and be well,



Hillary Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

---