Menands School District is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022).
Illness/positive COVID test
As with any infectious illness, students and staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance.
- Someone who tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
- Someone who is sick (has symptoms) may return to school after day 5 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving.
- People who have been sick, or tested positive, should wear a mask through day 10.
Testing
Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
At-home test kits
The district has at-home COVID-19 test kits available for students. If you need a home COVID test, please contact the school nurse at droseberger@menands.org or 518-465-4561 ext. 109.
Virtual learning
All learning will take place in-person this school year unless it becomes necessary to shift to remote instruction during an outbreak. If virtual learning becomes necessary, the district will notify families of the district’s plans for instruction through SchoolMessenger.
COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children older than 5 are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit ny.gov/vaxtoschool.
Masks
Any student or staff member may wear a mask while at school to prevent the spread of illness. Mask-wearing is recommended for at least 10 days following a positive COVID test, or COVID illness. Otherwise, masks are no longer required.
Health and safety protocols
Routine cleaning in our school buildings continues to be an important strategy for reducing the spread of illness. This includes high-risk areas such as health offices, classrooms, lunchrooms, athletic rooms, bathrooms and high-traffic areas, as well as high-touch surfaces.