Lockport City School District
COVID-19 Update
August 11, 2021
As we continue to plan and prepare for the 2021-2022 school year, we look forward to welcoming students, staff, and families in September with an in-person, five days a week school schedule.
Last week, school districts across the state were informed that there would be no guidance provided by either the Governor’s Office or the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regarding any restrictions or requirements for operating schools in September.
“With the end of the state disaster emergency on June 25, 2021, school districts are reestablished as the controlling entity for schools. Schools and school districts should develop plans to open in-person in the fall as safely as possible, and I recommend following guidance from the CDC and local health departments.”
NYSDOH Commissioner Howard Zucker
However, on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, New York State Education Department (NYSED) Commissioner Betty Rosa issued a memo to school districts stating that NYSED is in the process of developing a summary guidance document to aid schools and districts as they prepare for the 2021-2022 school year. According to the Commissioner, this document will be based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Once this guidance is received it will be reviewed to develop the district’s reopening plan. The overall goal for the 2021-2022 school year is to maximize in-person teaching and learning, be responsive to student needs, and keep students and staff healthy and safe.
The Lockport City School District will continue to collaborate and communicate with surrounding school districts and the Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH), and closely follow the guidance of other health and medical experts/agencies at the state and federal levels. The effectiveness of protocols and prevention strategies will be reviewed throughout the school year as necessary and adjustments may be made based on the data available and the current circumstances. We must be prepared to make any required and sudden shifts as guidance changes throughout the school year. This could include shifting to a full remote learning instructional model if mandated. When guidance changes during the school year, information will be shared with the Lockport City School District learning community.
Please be advised that NCDOH continues to provide pop up vaccination sites. The link to their website is: https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Services/Public-Health-Preparedness/2019-Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccination
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we manage the pandemic. More details about the 2021-2022 school year will be coming from your child’s building principal and classroom teacher in the near future. Stay safe and be well.
Lockport City School District
Website: www.lockportschools.org
Location: 130 Beattie Avenue, Lockport, NY, USA
Phone: 716-478-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/LockportCitySchoolDistrict
Twitter: @LockportSchools