As the COVID-19 transmission rate continues to decrease, the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District has partnered other districts in supporting a letter advocating for a pathway back to normalcy (see below). This letter was sent to both Governor Hochul and New York State Department of Health Commissioner Bassett. We have also shared our feedback with those advocacy groups and legislators that continue to meet with Governor Hochul on COVID-19 restrictions. With rates going down, we hope others will join in this effort. However, even though there is frustration and differing opinions, districts cannot simply disregard mandates or laws that are given to us to follow. As with any mandate or law that we feel needs to be reviewed, we will continue to advocate for practical and appropriate change.
With that being said, we wanted to share some items with you prior to our mid-winter break. Please note that this information is solely-based on Governor Hochul removing the mask mandate requirements for New York school districts in the coming weeks.
Potential transitional changes occurring to state mask mandate:
As we’ve been told, Governor Hochul will reevaluate the mask mandate when we return from mid-winter break. At that point, if the decision is to lift the mask mandate, the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District will move to a mask ‘optional’ status for our students and staff. Please note that it is still a federal order that masks are required on public transportation, this includes school buses. If this federal order changes, we will communicate this to families and masks will be optional on school buses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can parents start preparing their children for potential changes to the mask mandate?
The district wants to help prepare all of our students and families for changes that are coming and to develop a transition plan that will allow students, families, and staff the opportunity to prepare for the transition to a mask optional learning environment. Once the state approves the transition into a mask optional environment in schools, it will be very important that we respect everyone’s choice and decision whether or not to wear a mask. We know that this may feel awkward and different for many, and we want to ensure that no matter the personal decision to mask or unmask, that we are kind, respectful, and courteous to every member of our school community.
What if my child decides to continue to wear a mask in school?
Students and staff will continue to have the option of wearing a mask at any time during the school day. This is a personal choice that must be treated with mutual respect by all. We will continue to encourage cooperation in allowing others to wear a mask and not feel worried to do so while on school grounds.
If my child/family decides to not wear a mask in school, do we need to inform anyone?
Once the state mask mandate ends in schools, students will no longer need to wear a mask. You do not need to notify the school and students will not be asked to wear a mask by any staff member unless they are on a school bus. If for any reason in the future, the state implements a new mask mandate, the district will make the necessary adjustments to our plan and will communicate this out to all stakeholders.
*** Please be advised of the following changes to the FFCS reopening plan ***
In alignment with the Montgomery County Department of Health, FFCS will no longer perform contact tracing. The district will continue to work with our local health department to ensure those that test positive for COVID-19 continue to follow the proper isolation requirements. It is still important that any staff or student that is experiencing any cold or flu like symptoms should reach out to our school nurse and contact their primary health care provider.
The district will no longer be conducting random COVID-19 testing of athletes.
We would like to thank all of you for your on-going patience and support, as we work to find a pathway back to normalcy. If there are any new developments related to the mask mandate or COVID-19 restrictions, we will communicate those immediately with our school community.
Jan. 28 HFM BOCES School Districts Endorse Pathway to Normalcy Letter