COVID-19 Update: GJSD classes cancelled March 16-31
March 15, 2020
Dear families,
Greater Johnstown School District continues to monitor all COVID-19 (coronavirus) guidance from state, local and federal agencies. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at GJSD. However, out of an abundance of caution, and through guidance from local, state and regional agencies, GJSD schools will be closed for students from Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. In addition:
- All school-related and non-school-related activities will be canceled during this time, including all sports practices and HFM BOCES programs.
- All 10-month staff will report to their buildings on Monday, March 16.
- All 12-month staff will report to work all week, as usual. Transportation will not report Monday, March 16 and will await further communication from their supervisor.
Given that this is a rapidly evolving public health issue, we feel that this is the most proactive and prudent action available to us. This is designed to help limit the spread of illness and to provide time to reassess the situation in the coming days. This additional time will also allow for further cleaning measures to our GJSD facilities.
Many of our teachers have already begun to work on constructing educational resources, and on Monday, our teaching staff will reconvene in order to create additional educational resources and organize them for students to maintain skills and content during this time. These will include online resources, suggested skill practice activities, self-directed learning tasks, and parent-facilitated work. Please continue to check out the GJSD website for updated information on how to access these materials and other updates.
As a reminder, we will begin providing meals to GJSD children/students in need on Tuesday, March 17. Please view the district website for updated information on this meal program.
We understand this can be a confusing and scary time for children, and we encourage you to talk to your children about this situation. You can find a helpful resource to help you in speaking to your child about the virus at Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus (https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/).
This situation has changed rapidly over the last several days and may continue to change as we work with our local departments of health and school-related agencies and receive further guidance in response to the COVID-19 situation. We will be sending updated communication to families as they are available. The most current and accurate information about COVID-19 can be found at www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus.
Thank you for your continued support as we keep our students and community safe.
Dr. Karen Geelan
Superintendent of Schools